The Pennacook became the most powerful tribe in central northern New England, particularly under the leadership of Passaconaway, who created a confederacy that united 12 neighboring tribes. They were one of the first tribes to come into contact with European settlers and because of this their population decreased dramatically because of disease. They were involved in numerous wars with their fellow Native tribes against the English, allying themselves with the French to the north. The 3 most well-known Pennacook Sachems, or leaders, were Passaconaway, Wonalancet, and Kancamagus, all of whom have had local places named after them. Kancamagus is perhaps the most famous because he was the final sachem, as well as being the one that started King William's War in New England in 1689.
There are 3 other caches along the Kancamagus Highway, each dedicated to the 3 sachems, as well as a mystery cache dedicated to Kancamagus.