Amitgonpontook
an original "City of the Androscoggin"
January 2000
In 1690 Major Benjamin Church and his army found their way to a little known place at the junction of the Greater and Lesser Androscoggin Rivers, just below the Great Falls of the Androscoggin.
That is, the place was little known to white men, but well known to countless generations of Abenaki Indians. This place, we were told by Pierre Paul, was called by his people, Amitgonpontook.
You will know the place when you come to it today. School children have painted a beautiful mural on the large retaining wall that holds up a portion of the once more substantial hill. The children included scenes of native people fishing, of pine trees, and moose as well as trains, buildings, and roads.
They knew in their hearts that others were here before them. Nearby, a lovely park sits nestled by the river. The ancient Abenaki would be very proud of the work of those young people and the others responsible for establishing the little park.
A spot of green, reclaimed after more than a hundred years of development, and our city's history recorded in pictures on a concrete wall for all to see.
The people that created this special place didn't realize it at the time - but -
They created a most wonderful monument to the Abenaki People !
We know the place today as Laurel Hill in the city of Auburn. When you pass by, stop, walk through the park, and listen to the river's voice.
See with your heart, the Abenaki families camped here on their way to and from the sea. Hear the laughter of the children at play, the sound of men repairing their tools, the songs of women busy at work around the lodges, and the ancient stories told by elders at the night fire. The spirit of the Abenaki People is here - if only you take time to see!
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