Native American History of the Andovers

Merroh Awke “the strong place” or “place of swift waters” was the name for what today is known as the Merrimack River and the surrounding Merrimack Valley. It was the Pennacook people who gave it this name and inhabited the lands for tens of thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. Weir Hill, in present day North Andover overlooking Lake Cochichewick (Algonquin for “place of the great cascades”) was a favorite seasonal hunting and fishing area of the indigenous population.

Current scholarship understands that at least four indigenous nations used the land that is now North Andover: Pawtucket, Massa-adchu-es-et (Massachusett), Pennacook, and Wabanaki (Dawnland Confederacy). The North Andover Historical Society is committed to better understanding the indigenous history of the area. For the most up to date information, please explore the wonderful tools and interactive map available by clicking the button below. And please get in touch if you can add to our knowledge!