Passaconaway, a name which translates to "Child of the Bear", was a chieftain in the Pennacook tribe. One of the key native figures in the colonial history of New Hampshire, Passaconaway was born between 1550 and 1570 and died more than 100 years later in 1679, and was revered by both Native Americans and white settlers. His son was Wannalancit and his grandson was Kangamangus.

 

The Pennacook were a Nation of Native Americans that inhabited the Merrimack Valley, which includes most of the land that is now the Yankee Clipper Council.

Legend has it that Passaconaway was a giant, a genius and possessed magical powers such as making water burn and making the trees dance. According to folklore, he could make dried up leaves turn green and make living snakes out of dead snake skin. European history records that Passaconaway lived at the top of the Pawtucket Falls in Lowell, Massachusetts. He later moved north, possibly to Merrimack, New Hampshire, near present-day Horseshoe Pond.