ORONO

town, Penobscot county, east-central Maine, U.S. It lies along the Penobscot River 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Bangor. Settled about 1775, it was known as Deadwater and Stillwater Plantation before acquiring in 1840 its present name honouring Joseph Orono, a Penobscot Indian chief who befriended the settlers during the American Revolution. Mainly residential, the town is the seat of the main campus of the University of Maine (founded 1865). Light manufacturing and farming contribute to the economy. Inc. 1806. Area 18 square miles (47 square km). Pop. (1990) 10,573; (1996 est.) 9,119.