Here's a small bow to political correctness. This is generally called The Big Indian, but we'll stick to this name. Even better is the official name, Chief Passamaquoddy.
Julian Leslie needed some sort of attraction for people to come into his trading post. He paid $5,000 to have this done. Leslie had seen a 25-foot statue done for a store in the area, and thought it would be a good idea. The 40-foot version was put into place in the dead of night in 1969.
This used to be in front of a store that sold Native items, but that business closed in 1989. A variety of businesses have been in that space over the years, but the Chief still is standing tall and proud by it. I guess it was easier to keep the statue. It's certainly easier to find it.
As you might expect, there are arguments about it. Some say the clothing is all wrong. Some say it's a caricature. Some say it's folk art. Some say it's a nice tribute to Maine's roots.
Our huge pal is located just south of Freeport off U.S. 1. He's really hard to miss if you are on the road. Pay a visit on your way to L.L. Bean.
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