"The area surrounding the southernmost tip of the bay seemed to have been a a favorite meeting place for the tribes of this vicinity. It is well known that the trail beginning in Portsmouth enters Alton behind the Bennett residence, and culminates at the lake. Parts of it along the river may still be followed today. This river is called Merrymeeting because of the very fact that at its mouth the six tribes of Redmen held their annual powwow. These were the Winnebisagua, Quanippi, Cochikek, Masquamanagonek, Penikek, and the Abenakis. A marker at Alton Bay now commemorates the spot where the six tribes of Lakes Region Indians camped and held their annual Pow-Wow."
excerpt from...
The History of Alton New Hampshire
by Barton McLain Griffin
(I didn't know that there were that many tribes in the area until just recently! WOW!)