WHOM - Since 1969, a towering 40-foot-tall figure has greeted travelers along Route 1 in Freeport, Maine. Known officially as Chief Passamaquoddy, though often referred to locally as the "Big Indian," this fiberglass landmark remains one of the state's most recognizable examples of mid-century roadside Americana.
The statue was the brainchild of Julian Leslie, the former owner of the Casco Bay Trading Post. Inspired by a giant fisherman statue he saw in Boothbay Harbor, Leslie commissioned Pennsylvania sculptor Rodman Shutt to create an even larger attraction to draw tourists into his store, which specialized in moccasins.
The 1,500-pound statue was constructed in Pennsylvania and transported to Maine on a flatbed truck traveling under the cover of night to avoid causing "rubbernecking" accidents on the highway. It was officially erected on August 26, 1969, standing on a six-foot concrete base.
The Casco Bay Trading Post closed its doors in 1989, but the statue remained as a silent sentinel. Over the decades, it has stood before a rotating cast of businesses, including a furniture consignment store and a home renovation company.
In recent years, the statue has become a focal point for discussions regarding cultural sensitivity. Critics, including members of the Penobscot Nation, point out that the figure's attire, such as the Western-style headdress, is historically inaccurate for Maine’s indigenous Wabanaki tribes. While some call for its removal, others view it as a harmless piece of folk art.
As of 2026, the current property owners have chosen to keep the statue in place, although they remain open to ongoing community discussion about its future and potential modifications to enhance historical accuracy.
For now, Chief Passamaquoddy continues to loom over Route 1, a weathered but unyielding piece of Maine’s commercial history.