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Orneville, Maine

Three names, one wilderness township

Overview

Orneville Township has reinvented itself three times—incorporated as Milton in 1832, renamed Almond in 1841, and finally becoming Orneville in 1843. The township takes its current name from Mrs. Orne, niece of General John Parker Boyd, who received the land as a heritage. Boyd Lake, covering about 1,000 acres at the township's center, bears the general's name.

Key Facts

Population 87
Region Maine Highlands
County Piscataquis
Founded 1832
Nearest City Dover-Foxcroft (25 minutes)

What Orneville Is Known For

Orneville Local Highlights

Three Names in Eleven Years
The township was incorporated as Milton in 1832, renamed Almond in 1841, and changed to Orneville in 1843—an unusual series of name changes reflecting the community's evolving identity.
General Boyd Connection
The township was originally owned by General John Parker Boyd, a famous military officer who received land grants in Maine. Boyd Lake still bears his name, while the township honors his niece, Mrs. Orne.
Boyd Lake
This approximately 1,000-acre lake sits at the center of the township, with a small village bearing the same name on Route 6/16. Maximum depth is about 20 feet.
Deorganized Township
Orneville's town incorporation was repealed in 1939, and the township surrendered organization in 1945, becoming part of Maine's unorganized territory now administered as Southeast Piscataquis.

Things to Do

1
Fish Boyd Lake
The 1,000-acre lake offers fishing for warmwater species in a scenic, uncrowded setting. The small Boyd Lake village provides access.
2
Hunt the Surrounding Forests
The heavily forested township supports healthy populations of deer, moose, bear, and upland game birds, drawing hunters each fall.
3
Explore the Back Roads
Unpaved roads wind through the township, offering glimpses of remote Maine landscapes and opportunities for wildlife sighting.
4
Snowmobile Through Wilderness
Winter opens trail access through this remote corner of Piscataquis County, connecting to regional networks.
5
Experience True Solitude
With fewer than 100 residents in a large township, Orneville offers the kind of quiet and solitude increasingly rare in the modern world.

Living in Orneville

Orneville Township offers extremely affordable land and housing in exchange for remoteness and limited services. The township deorganized in 1945 and is now part of the Southeast Piscataquis unorganized territory, with services provided by the county and state. The small village of Boyd Lake on Route 6/16 provides the only concentrated settlement. Dover-Foxcroft, about 25 minutes away, offers the nearest shopping and services.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm days, cool nights, 62-78°F

winter

Very cold with deep snow, 0-22°F

spring

Extended mud season, 28-48°F

fall

Spectacular colors, 32-52°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Moose White-tailed deer Black bear Beaver Loons Brook trout Ruffed grouse

How to Get There

Orneville is accessible via Route 6/16 between Lagrange and Dover-Foxcroft. The small village of Boyd Lake sits at the township's center. Many interior roads are unpaved.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Orneville outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Orneville change names so many times?

The township was incorporated as Milton in 1832, became Almond in 1841, and finally Orneville in 1843. The final name honors Mrs. Orne, niece of General John Parker Boyd, who inherited land here from her famous uncle.

Who was General John Parker Boyd?

General Boyd was a military officer born in Newburyport, Massachusetts in 1764, who became known as an "Indian fighter" and received land grants in Maine. He originally owned this township, and Boyd Lake still bears his name.

Is Orneville still an organized town?

No. The town's incorporation was repealed in 1939, and it surrendered organization in 1945. Today it's part of the Southeast Piscataquis unorganized territory, sharing administration with neighboring Atkinson Township.

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