Passaconaway

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Passaconaway, a name which translates to "Child of the Bear", was a chieftain in the Pennacook tribe.

One of the key native figures in the colonial history of New Hampshire, Passaconaway was born between 1550 and 1570 and died more than 100 years later in 1679, and was revered by both native Americans and white settlers. He became chief of the Pennacook near the end of the 16th century, but it is not known whether he became chief by election or heredity.

Legend has it that Passaconaway was a giant, a genius and possessed magical powers such as making water burn and making the trees dance. Legend has it that he could make dried up leaves turn green and make living snakes out of dead snake skin. Living somewhere near current day Merrimack, New Hampshire, probably near current day Horseshoe Pond, Passaconaway was one of the first native chieftains to lease land to English settlers in New England. His son Wonalancet was also sachem of the Pennacook.

A mountain summit in the White Mountains bears his name, as did a village in the Albany Intervale area (as shown on the 1958 and 1931 topographic maps).