Indian Mortar Lot

A large mortar here is set in a glacial boulder first hollowed by water, then apparently used for many years by Abnaki Indians, and later by the first settlers to grind corn or maize into cakes baked over open fire. This historic lot also contains a boulder carved with a shad, perhaps made by the Indian to preserve a likeness of his favorite Winnepesaukee fish, which swam up the river when the shadbush blossomed. After the dams were built, the fish disappeared.

Franklin, New Hampshire · United States