The Legend of Chocorua

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It is likely that the White Mountains were first inhabited by humans about 12,000 years ago, after the last ice age. These first peoples had migrated from the west and were the forebears of those whom Columbus would mistakenly call Indians. The region was rich with wildlife, fish, and edible plants.

Formal “Tribes” began to form about 3000-4000 BC. There were two overlapping groups of Native Americans in this region: the Penacooks and the Penobscots, with the Penacooks being dominant as the Penobscots were located largely in what would later become the State of Maine. Both were tribal branches within the regional Abenaki nation.

In the early 1600s the Penacook confederation had 17 tribes, all of whom spoke the Algonquin language. Because there was no written form of this language, much of what we now know of their life is derived from the records of European colonists. The tribes resided along the Pemigewasset and Merrimack watershed and near Great Bay. The Pequawkets, Chocorua’s tribe, were originally part of the Penobscot tribal confederation, but became allied with the Penacooks after the Europeans began to settle the White Mountains.

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Chocorua was a Sachem, or chief, who led his small band after most of the Pequawkets had moved north into Canada to avoid conflict with the white man. Chocorua, a proud and courageous man, refused to go. He was unwilling to leave the land of his ancestors. He had raised his son Tuamba to believe that the land belonged to all of the great spirit’s creatures. He remained and made efforts to live in harmony with the new settlers, despite their differences. He befriended settler Cornelius Campbell and his family. Setting in motion one of the great tragedies of Native American history.

 Chocorua trusted the Campbells enough to put Tuamba in their care while he went north for a tribal council and pow-wow. According to the legend, while Chocorua was away, Tuamba ate some poison that was meant to kill marauding wolves and died. Some time later, while Cornelius was away from the farm, Chocorua returned to find his son had died. Stricken with grief and anger. he killed Cornelius' wife and young son.

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Returning to his mountains heartsick at the loss of his beloved Tuamba, Chocorua must have known that this story was not over. When Cornelius discovered that his family had been slain, he knew that Chocorua was responsible and set off to avenge his loved ones. Cornelius pursued Chocorua to the top of the highest mountain peak in the area, a jagged pointed peak - the peak that now bears the name of Chocorua. Chocorua climbed atop the highest boulder on the summit and, knowing that death was at hand, raised his arms to the sky and is said to have shouted, "Evil spirits breathe death upon the cattle of the white man! Wind and fire destroy your dwellings! Panthers and wolves howl and grow fat on your bones. Chocorua goes now to the Great Spirit!" Chocorua then leapt off the mountain and fell to his death on the rocks below.

Two years later, the body of Cornelius was found dead, partially eaten by wolves.

It is said that one hundred years to the day of his death a devastating plague killed all the cattle from Albany to Conway, New Hampshire. The cause of this plague has been explained by scientists, of course, but those of us inclined to the romance of the mountains still believe that the curse of Chocorua was involved.

New Hampshire Pow Wows

Pow Wows were originally held in the spring to celebrate the new beginning of life. It was a time for people to get together, sing, dance, renew old friendships and make new ones.

Today Pow Wows, or celebrations, are very much a part of the lives of many Native American people. Pow Wows are a mixture of celebration, social gatherings and friendly dance competitions, shared by the " Generations" of people. But, as the sacred thread that runs through all life, there are sacred traditions to be found in this coming together of people.

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Pow Wows vary in size and are held throughout the country. The Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum Pow Wow is probably the fastest growing Pow Wow in the state and an ideal way to start if you have never been to one because there will be lots of other "first-timers". You need not be Native American to attend but in many cases exhibitors are required to be of Native descent.

A number of small local Pow Wows pop up every year around the state but whether they will continue from one year to another is unpredictable. 

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Other annual Pow Wows include The Laconia Indian Historical Society Pow Wow, annually held on Labor Day weekend. You can check on updated activities at their Facebook Page of their Website. LIHS also sponsors a learners Day and Four Winds Family Pow Wow earlier in the summer in the town of Sanbornton. 

The "Honoring of the Elders Native American Inter-Tribal Pow Wow"

that has been operating for more than 25 years is held at the Tamworth Camping Area in the town of Tamworth. It is held in late May annually.

Dartmouth College that has a long involvement with Native peoples holds a Pow Wow on Mother's Day Annually.

The Rose and the Headdress

The Franconia - Sugar Hill Loop

A Family Bicycling Adventures
By W. Douglas Roy
Franconia, Sugar Hill & Easton
13.7 Miles Paved (1 mile dirt if you take the Birches St. cutoff)
Intermediate level based on distance.

There are several appropriate places for beginning this 13.7 mile loop and if you have a map you can also take two other crossroads that allow for some variety or to shorten the route. We recommend beginning in Franconia at the Franconia Inn where there is ample parking in the Franconia Airport parking area. You will begin your trip by continuing on the flats for another 1.6 miles to the Sugar Hill Road on the right.

If you come to the Bungay Jar Bed and Breakfast in Easton, you've gone too far by only a few hundred yards.

The Sugar Hill Road eventually becomes the Easton Road on the other end and takes a slight jog at about 2.2 miles where you will turn right, then left in .1 miles onto the Easton Road and follow it to Rte 117.

At this point you will bear right onto Rte 117 into the town of Sugar Hill where you can stop at Harman's General Store for a bit of refreshment. Notice the difference in size between the Sugar Hill Post off and the Sugar Hill Library while you are there – this is a town that has its priorities right!

After your break continue East on Rte 117. It will be uphill for a short while but once you reach the Homestead Inn on the right it will be all downhill from there. This will be the easiest leg of the trip all downhill into Franconia. Families should encourage children to exercise caution because the temptation will be to fly down this section.

Don't miss the best views in Sugar Hill, and the sight of all those award-winning photos. At the Homestead Inn, turn right onto Sunset Hill Road. It is only a half-mile long, and has a lookout affording fantastic views, as well as a golf course where you can grab a quick lunch before you begin the second half of your journey back to the car. You will want to make note of your location here in order to return later for an extra special dinner at the Sunset Hill House. Return back to Rte 117 and take a right.

At about 2.3 miles from the Junction of 117 and Easton Road you'll come to Birches Road (also called Bickford Road locally) The Saint Matthews Episcopal Church is at this junction. It is open in summers through September. It seats 150 people and is a popular spot for weddings and among the most photographed churches in the country.

-If you'd like to shorten your trip by a few miles this is one road that you can take as an alternative. It passes by the Frost Place where Robert Frost lived and wrote many of his greatest works. There is a small fee to visit the Frost Place but its well worth it.

If you take Birches/Bickford, you'll end up back on the Church Road (Rte 116) with about a half-mile to go back to your vehicle. If you continue on Rte 117 you'll find yourself winding down toward the town of Franconia.

If you are a history buff take the time to stop at the historic marker just down the road. It was at this location in 1929 that Austrian-born Sig Buchmayr established the first organized ski school in the United States. Sponsored by Peckett's-on-Sugar Hill, one of the earliest resorts to promote the joys of winter vacationing in the snow, the school provided an initial impetus to the ski sport America knows today.

Just beyond the historic marker you'll pass the quaint Sugar Hill Inn and wind your way into the town of Franconia on Rte 18.

This is the section of road likely to have the most traffic. Bear right (south) on Rte 18 and you will almost immediately see the Old Stone Iron Furnace historic site on the right. This is worth a stop to walk into the park and gaze at the kiln across the river as well as to read some of the historic documentation.



After your break continue for about 4/10 mile to the main junction in town and then go right again onto Rte 116 aka Church St. This is the road that returns you to Easton. You'll pass by the Dow building and then begin your final journey through the valley.

The reason we suggest ending you trip on this leg is quite simply that it is a reasonably flat final leg and the scenery is just beautiful. Riding down into the valley one understands why Robert Frost was captivated by this lovely spot. You will also find two great swimming holes where you can refresh at the end of the trip: Slippery Rocks Swimming Hole is located on Rte 116 about 500 yards beyond the Bungay Jar B&B. The Easton Town Hall and Volunteer Fire Dept make up the "downtown" of Easton. Turn on the road next to Town Hall, go about 100 yards and on the left are two large boulders, about 30 ft beyond the boulders is Slippery Rock, a small waterfall, swimming hole and chute, a slide and another hole. According to local folks, it's quite tame and great for kids. There is also another swimming hole directly across from the Town Hall on Rte 116.


The Dow Building, Franconia, NH



If you are a history buff take the time to stop at the historic marker just down the road. It was at this location in 1929 that Austrian-born Sig Buchmayr established the first organized ski school in the United States. Sponsored by Peckett's-on-Sugar Hill, one of the earliest resorts to promote the joys of winter vacationing in the snow, the school provided an initial impetus to the ski sport America knows today.



Portrait of a Cascade, Rumney, NH
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