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.
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.
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.
From the McDude Gallery
1938 the Channel breakwater was back filled and continued around the monument.
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.
This present day shot of the top of the rock clearly shows the crack, which prompted the iron bolt.
Photo from the JG1222 Gallery
June 5, 2006 a new statue was dedicated:
Sculpture Honors a Native Son
Bronze replaces lost statue overlooking Weirs Beach
From the McDude Gallery
From the McDude Gallery
From the McDude Gallery
From the McDude Gallery