Byron, Maine
Population: Approximately 434
Town Office | Library | Town Meetings | History
Town Office
Hours: Tues. 5-8pm
Thursday 8am-1pm
1 Byron Village Rd. Box 407
Byron, Me 04275
Tel: 207-364-3194
Fax: 207-364-2145
Use of Rumford Public Library. See Rumford page for hours or Rumford Public Library.
Town Meetings
Selectmen: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.
Planning Board: Meetings held when needed.
Elections: Annual March Town Meeting at the town office
History
The ancient Indian name for Byron was Skillertown. The town was organized on July 6, 1821 as Plantation #8. In 1833 it was voted to become the Town of Byron, named after the poet of the century, Lord Byron.
In it’s early years, Byron was a town of farms scattered among the mountains of its perimeter. Beginning in the 1850’s, the timber industry became the most important to the economy. Tracks were laid and the train would haul the timber to the mills. In the early 1900’s, growing hops (for making beer) also became important to the economy.
Byron is also rich in history of gold prospecting. Gold was first discovered here in the 1830’s. It is found in the Swift River and the East and West branches of the Swift. People today still enjoy the sport of panning for gold and many are successful.