Rattlesnake Gal
02-02-2005, 02:09 PM
In 1652 a surveying party from Massachusetts Bay Colony under the direction of Governor John Endicott was sent out to find the northernmost boundary of its territory to settle a dispute with the inhabitants of Strawberry Banke. This rock was conveniently located at the mouth of the Merrimack River where it issues out of Lake Winnipiseogee. (Winnipesaukee)
On August 1, 1652 the rock was chiseled with the initials of their Governor and those present at the expedition.
Copy of Endicott Rock inscription.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/medium/176copy_of_Endicott_Rock_Inscription.jpg
The boulder was rediscovered in 1833 when the channel was being deepened to allow for passage between Lake Paugus and Lake Winnipesaukee for the steamboat Belknap.
Prior to the protective granite enclosure, measures to preserve the rock were made by elevating and placing it on a firm support of stone.
An iron band was passed around it and an iron bolt passed through it from one side to the other.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/medium/176Endicott_Rock.jpg
This photograph was taken August 28, 1885, by F. W. Fowler of Salisbury Massachusetts, later a resident of Laconia.
This present day shot of the top of the rock clearly shows the crack, which prompted the iron bolt.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/medium/176A2_October_137_2.jpg
New Hampshire Legislature took action to protect Endicott Rock because boaters had been bumping into this historic marker.
A granite enclosure was erected by the state and dedicated with ceremonies in 1892.
The wooden footbridge was replaced by steel in 1901. Later the channel was filled to become part of the mainland, which is known as Endicott Park.
The Indian statue, known as “Captain Jack” which is seen in old photographs was a gift from Dr. J. Alonso Greene of Long Island. It was added in 1901. There is no mention of what happened to the statue. (Time for a trip to Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society!)
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/medium/176Endicott_Rock_Captain_Jack.jpg
Sources of information: The Weirs, by Warren D. Huse, Lake Winnipesaukee, by Bruce Heald and LWHS (http://www.lwhs.us/wei-endicottrock.htm)
On August 1, 1652 the rock was chiseled with the initials of their Governor and those present at the expedition.
Copy of Endicott Rock inscription.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/medium/176copy_of_Endicott_Rock_Inscription.jpg
The boulder was rediscovered in 1833 when the channel was being deepened to allow for passage between Lake Paugus and Lake Winnipesaukee for the steamboat Belknap.
Prior to the protective granite enclosure, measures to preserve the rock were made by elevating and placing it on a firm support of stone.
An iron band was passed around it and an iron bolt passed through it from one side to the other.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/medium/176Endicott_Rock.jpg
This photograph was taken August 28, 1885, by F. W. Fowler of Salisbury Massachusetts, later a resident of Laconia.
This present day shot of the top of the rock clearly shows the crack, which prompted the iron bolt.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/medium/176A2_October_137_2.jpg
New Hampshire Legislature took action to protect Endicott Rock because boaters had been bumping into this historic marker.
A granite enclosure was erected by the state and dedicated with ceremonies in 1892.
The wooden footbridge was replaced by steel in 1901. Later the channel was filled to become part of the mainland, which is known as Endicott Park.
The Indian statue, known as “Captain Jack” which is seen in old photographs was a gift from Dr. J. Alonso Greene of Long Island. It was added in 1901. There is no mention of what happened to the statue. (Time for a trip to Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society!)
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/medium/176Endicott_Rock_Captain_Jack.jpg
Sources of information: The Weirs, by Warren D. Huse, Lake Winnipesaukee, by Bruce Heald and LWHS (http://www.lwhs.us/wei-endicottrock.htm)