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Rattlesnake Gal
02-02-2005, 01:09 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)

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/medium/176copy_of_Endicott_Rock_Inscription.jpg
On August 1, 1652 the rock was chiseled with the initials of their Governor and those present at the expedition.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/176Endicott_Rock_Outlet_2_1906.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.
(Notice the steamboat Mount Washington in the background headed to the pier.)

The dredging eventually became a breakwater, with the west side of the channel not filled in.

In 1892 a granite enclosure was erected by the state and dedicated with ceremonies.

The wooden footbridge was replaced by steel in 1901.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/medium/176Endicott_Rock_Captain_Jack.jpg
The Indian statue, known as “Captain Jack” was added in 1901, which can be seen in old photographs - a gift from Dr. J. Alonso Greene of Long Island.

In 1984 the statue was severely damaged by vandals. Captain Jack was restored by the state and now resides in the Gale Memorial Library in Laconia.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/medium/endicott3.jpg
From the McDude Gallery (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/showgallery.php?ppuser=20&cat=500)

1938 the Channel breakwater was back filled and continued around the monument.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/medium/176Endicott_Rock.jpg
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.
This photograph was taken August 28, 1885, by F. W. Fowler of Salisbury Massachusetts, later a resident of Laconia.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/medium/176A2_October_137_2.jpg
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/506/medium/IMG_1607.JPG
Photo from the JG1222 Gallery (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=724)
June 5, 2006 a new statue was dedicated:

Sculpture Honors a Native Son
Bronze replaces lost statue overlooking Weirs Beach (http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/sculpture-honors-native-son-0)

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/531/medium/20scananhistoricpoint.jpg
From the McDude Gallery

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/531/medium/20scanbathingbeachtheweirs.jpg
From the McDude Gallery

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/531/medium/20scanendicottrockthenandnow.jpg
From the McDude Gallery

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/531/medium/20scanendicottrockthenandnow.jpg
From the McDude Gallery

Just Sold
02-02-2005, 04:40 PM
Thanks RG, Great Post! I give it an "Amazing" :D

Boardwalk Bluesboy
12-30-2006, 02:25 PM
What year was the channel filled in to become part of Endicott Park and the steel walkway over the water to the monument removed?

There is another post on the history forum titled "Weirs Beach Dedicates Statue at Endicott Rock" and a link to a Weirs Times article there that is very interesting.

The original "Captain Jack" statue is now at the Laconia Library, and the next time I visit, I hope to take a close-up picture of Captain Jack - all historical photos and postcards show the statue from a distance without any clear detail.

mcdude
01-01-2007, 05:47 PM
Some views of Endicott Rock and Captain Jack.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/531/medium/endicott4.jpg
Note the OLD Mount in the distance.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/medium/endicott3.jpg

CLICK HERE to SUPERSIZE the IMAGE (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/15014/endicott3.jpg)

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/529/medium/20scanstatueded3.jpg

CLICK HERE for RELATED THREAD (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2014)

gonetoolong
01-26-2007, 10:57 AM
Hi folks, this is my first post. I moved away from Meredith a long time ago but know it looks like I'll be moving back in the near future and I am REALLY looking forward to it!

Do any of you remember, in the early 60's, two delinquent teenagers painting the Indian at Endicott rock orange?