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5 Things You Didn't Know About the Big Freeport Indian

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5 Things You Didn't Know About the Big Freeport Indian


It has stood overlooking Route 1 in Freeport for over 50 years and is one of Maine’s most popular landmarks. The Big Freeport Indian, or as some call it, the Big F—— Indian sees visitors every year from all around the country, most of them stumbling across it on their way to L.L. Bean.

Here are 5 things you may not know about the Big Freeport Indian.

1. The owner of Casco Bay Trading Post commissioned ought the Statue in 1960

According to 2015 an article in Maine Magazine, Julian Leslie opened Casco Bay Trading Post in 1947 and was looking for a way to drive business to his store on Route 1 in Freeport. He ended up having a giant statue of a Native American created and shipped to Freeport for $5000 where it was placed on his property next to busy Route 1. When his statue was completed, it had to be shipped from Pennsylvania on a flatbed trailer until it arrived in Freeport on August 26, 1969.

 

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2. The Big Freeport Indian was an advertising gimmick to sell mocassins

 

 

How wonderful were the 70s?? The Casco Bay Trading Post in Freeport, Maine.
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Casco Bay Trading Post crafted and sold leather goods, including mocassins, hence the 30-foot tall statue. It seemed to have worked as Casco Bay Trading Post remained in business until 1989.

3. Arrows were often found lodged in the statue

While camping at Winslow Park every summer growing up, we’d drive past Casco Bay Trading Post and often notice arrows lodged into the fiberglass of the Big Freeport Indian shot into it by people who had nothing better to do with their lives. This must have been a pain to have removed regularly.

4. Businesses keep coming and going at the Big Freeport Indian

Since Julian Leslie closed the Casco Bay Trading Post in 1989 after 42 years, other businesses have occupied the space, but none have been as successful as Casco Bay Trading Post. As of this writing, the space is empty with the last tenant being Big Indian Country Store.

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5. It may be the most famous, but it is not the tallest Native American Statue in Maine

Worlds Tallest Statue of a Native American/ Indian, Skowhegan, ME.
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The world’s tallest statue of a Native American is the “Skowhegan Indian” which stands 62 feet high on a 20-foot base, double the height of the Big Freeport Indian. Coincidentally, the Skowhegan Indian was installed in 1969, the same year as the Big Freeport Indian.

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Maine

We Are the Watershed call for art

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We Are the Watershed call for art


A collective of environmental, arts and Indigenous-led organizations is collaborating to produce We Are the Watershed, a two-day event aimed at reconnecting humans with nature and revitalizing the health of waterways, estuaries, and the bay in Peskotomuhkatikuk (traditional Passamaquoddy territory). Events, including theatrical performances, music, culinary experiences and an exhibition of submitted artwork, will be held on May 1 and 2 at Eastport Arts Center (EAC). A publication of written and visual works will also be released with proceeds to support conservation efforts and spreading awareness of their impacts.

Submissions sought:
Written and visual works are currently sought from artists and creatives on both sides of the border across Peskotomuhkatikuk for the publication, which will be sold by donation at the May event. Proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to related community-building efforts, public engagement, and continued restoration efforts. The deadline for digital submission for the publication is April 1.

Physical works can be dropped off at EAC Sunday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to be a part of the exhibition, which will run May 1 through 15. Artists under 18 will receive 100% of the proceeds if they opt to put their pieces up for sale during the exhibit, which will run May 1 through May 15. Artists over 18 will receive 70% of the proceeds with the remainder going toward promoting awareness of and supporting conservation efforts for the Passamaquoddy Bay.


The Eastport Arts Center

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Every week through Apr 01, 2026.
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Event Supported By

Eastport Arts Center

(207) 853-4650

info@eastportartscenter.org

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Maine

NEWS CENTER Maine

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NEWS CENTER Maine
Through in-depth storytelling, through direct contact on digital on social platforms, through long-standing community service programs like Coats & Toys for Kids, Project Heat and Buddy to Buddy, NEWS CENTER Maine is dedicated to keeping Mainers connected. We can’t do it alone, though. Only by listening and interacting with YOU can we continue to connect ALL Mainers.



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Suspect arrested in murder of Robert Fuller, Jr., Maine attorney and philanthropist

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Suspect arrested in murder of Robert Fuller, Jr., Maine attorney and philanthropist


Police in Maryland have charged a suspect with first-degree murder in the shooting death of 87-year-old Robert Fuller Jr., a former Maine attorney and philanthropist, inside his senior living apartment in Gaithersburg on Valentine’s Day.

Authorities said the suspect is 22-year-old Maurquise Emilio James, a med tech at the facility where Fuller lived.

Montgomery County Department of Police.

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Police say 22-year-old Maurise Emilio James is charged with murder in the death of Robert Fuller, Jr.

At a press conference Wednesday, detectives said they reviewed surveillance video from the facility showing James near a door that’s alarm was deactivated. A video clip released of the suspect walking in the courtyard of the facility generated tips that helped to identify James.

Early February 24, Maryland State Police conducted a traffic stop of a sedan without tags. Police said the driver fired at the trooper. The officer was not seriously injured.

Investigators said evidence collected at the scene included at least one 9mm shell casing that indicated the same gun was used in both the shooting of Fuller and the incident involving the trooper.

No motive has been given.

Fuller practiced law in Maine for more than 35 years and supported many institutions in the Augusta area.

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