Joseph Orono facts for kids

Joseph Orono (born November 25, 1688 – died February 5, 1801) was an important leader of the Penobscot people. He was a sachem, which is like a chief or a wise elder, who lived along the Penobscot River in what is now the state of Maine. The town of Orono, Maine, where the University of Maine is located, was named in his honor.

Who Was Joseph Orono?

Joseph Orono lived for a very long time, reaching the age of 113! He was born at a time when the Penobscot people had already been interacting with French Catholic missionaries and traders for many years. These interactions were important for trade and cultural exchange.

His Family Background

Orono had a mixed heritage. He was likely the grandson of a French nobleman named Jean-Vincent d'Abbadie de Saint-Castin. Saint-Castin had settled near the mouth of the Penobscot River in the 1660s. This area is now the town of Castine, Maine. Saint-Castin married the daughter of a powerful Penobscot sachem named Madockawando. This marriage helped create strong ties between the French and the Penobscot people.

Orono's Legacy in Maine

In 1774, American colonists started a village called Stillwater. This village was located near "Indian Old Town," close to a waterfall on the Penobscot River. Even though there were many changes happening, the relationship between the colonists and the Penobscot people was generally peaceful.

How Orono, Maine Got Its Name

Because of this peaceful relationship and Orono's respected leadership, the colonists decided to honor him. When Stillwater officially became a town in 1806, they chose to name it Orono. This happened shortly after Joseph Orono passed away. It was a way to remember and respect the Penobscot sachem who had lived there for so long.