Merrimack Historical Society

PASSACONAWAY

Perhaps our most well-know notable was the great Indian sachem, Passaconaway ("child of the bear"), leader of all the native Americans inhabiting the Merrimack Valley.

In a treaty with the General Court of Massachusetts on April 9, 1662, Passaconaway formally made peace with the "white man" and was granted a tract of land in Merrimack 3 miles long and 1 and a half miles wide north of the Souhegan River. This tract included the two river island of Minnehaha and Minnewawa. The formal request made to Governor Endicott of Massachusetts was granted for 25 English pounds. The request is in the Massachusetts Archives. A few years later this same piece of land was granted to an Englishman.

It was rumored that Passaconaway lived well past the age of 100 and possessed magical powers. He was reported to have made water burn and sticks turn into snakes. His treaty with the whites was prompted by a vision with the "Great Spirit" who foretold their great numbers.

Passaconaway was believed to have fathered seven children. His second son but third child, Wonalancet was his successor as leader of his tribe. One of his daughters, Weetamo also had important positions of leadership within the tribe.

On his death the legend has it that he was carried off to heaven from the top of a white mountain on a sled drawn by wolves.