Chief Joseph Orono
Known as the “Blue-eyed Chief,” Joseph Orono was Chief of the Penobscot Nation from 1760 until his death in 1801. The exact length of his life is a topic of debate, with some claiming he lived to be between 110 and 113 years old. Joseph Orono was the grandson of Molly Mathilde and the Baron of St. Castin, and the great-grandson of Chief Madockawando.
He assumed the role of Chief during a turbulent time for the Penobscot Nation. Orono was sympathetic to the American cause during the Revolutionary War, as the Penobscots had a strained relationship with the English, which led to an alliance with the Americans.
In 1775, Orono stated, “Our white brothers (Americans) tell us that they came to our land to enjoy liberty and life. But their king (of England) is coming to bind them in chains and to kill them. We must fight him. We will stand on the same ground with our brother (the Americans).” After the Battle of Bunker Hill Orono, with a small group of Penobscot tribal members, arrived in Watertown, Massachusetts at the Provincial Congress to convey their support to the American cause if their grievances (trespass, cheating in trade, etc.) against the tribe were removed. While the offer was never officially accepted, the Penobscot supported the Americans throughout the war.
Joseph Orono passed away on February 5, 1801, five years before the town of Orono, Maine, was incorporated.