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Piscataquis County, Maine

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Piscataquis County (/pɪˈskætəkwɪs/ pih-SKAT-ə-kwiss) is a county located in the U.S. state of Maine. As of the 2020 census, its population was 16,800, making it Maine's least-populous county.[1] Its county seat is Dover-Foxcroft.[2] The county was incorporated on March 23, 1838, taken from the western part of Penobscot County and the eastern part of Somerset County. It is named for an Abenaki word meaning "branch of the river" or "at the river branch."

Piscataquis County
County
American Woolen Company Foxcroft Mill
American Woolen Company Foxcroft Mill
Map of Maine highlighting Piscataquis County
Location within the U.S. state of Maine
Map of the United States highlighting Maine
Maine's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 45°33′55″N 69°20′01″W / 45.565186°N 69.333687°W / 45.565186; -69.333687
Country United States
State Maine
FoundedMarch 23, 1838
Named forPiscataquis River
SeatDover-Foxcroft
Largest townDover-Foxcroft
Area
 • Total
4,378 sq mi (11,340 km2)
 • Land3,961 sq mi (10,260 km2)
 • Water417 sq mi (1,080 km2)  9.5%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
16,800
 • Density3.8/sq mi (1.5/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district2nd
Websitepiscataquis.us

Originally, the county extended north to the Canada–US border, but in 1844 its northern portion was annexed by Aroostook County. In terms of land area, Piscataquis is one of the largest U.S. counties east of the Mississippi River. It is also one of two counties in the Northeast (and seven counties east of the Mississippi River)[3][a] that meet Frederick Jackson Turner's requirements for "frontier" country – that is, having fewer than six inhabitants per square mile, the other being Hamilton County, New York.

Baxter State Park, a large wilderness preserve, is located in Piscataquis County.

History

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In June 1799, near Piscataquis County's three major rivers, people started clearing land and settling there.[4]

In 1883, the Monson Railroad, a two-foot gauge commoner railroad, began operating in the county. It would be the last operating railroad of its type in North America.[5]

From the 1970s to the 1990s, paper companies' land in the county was heavily harvested.[6]

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 4,378 square miles (11,340 km2), of which 3,961 square miles (10,260 km2) is land and 417 square miles (1,080 km2) (9.5%) is water.[7] It is the second-largest county in Maine by area. The largest lake in the county is Moosehead Lake (the state’s largest) at 120 square miles (310 km2). The highest natural point in the county and the state of Maine is Mount Katahdin at 5,271 feet (1,607 meters), while the geographic center is Greeley Landing in the Town of Dover-Foxcroft.

Adjacent counties

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
184013,138—
185014,73512.2%
186015,0322.0%
187014,403−4.2%
188014,8723.3%
189016,1348.5%
190016,9495.1%
191019,88717.3%
192020,5543.4%
193018,231−11.3%
194018,4671.3%
195018,6170.8%
196017,379−6.6%
197016,285−6.3%
198017,6348.3%
199018,6535.8%
200017,235−7.6%
201017,5351.7%
202016,800−4.2%
2023 (est.)17,486[8]4.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]
1790–1960[10] 1900–1990[11]
1990–2000[12] 2010–2016[13]

2000 census

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As of the 2000 census,[14] there were 17,235 people, 7,278 households, and 4,854 families residing in the county. The population density was 4 people per square mile (1.5 people/km2). There were 13,783 housing units at an average density of 4 per square mile (1.5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.84% White, 0.21% Black or African American, 0.52% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.14% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. 0.52% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 23.6% were of English, 16.4% French, 15.3% United States or American and 11.5% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000. 96.9% spoke English and 2.0% French as their first language.

There were 7,278 households, out of which 28.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.10% were married couples living together, 8.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.30% were non-families. 27.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.40% under the age of 18, 5.70% from 18 to 24, 26.00% from 25 to 44, 27.50% from 45 to 64, and 17.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 96.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $28,250, and the median income for a family was $34,852. Males had a median income of $28,149 versus $20,241 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,374. About 11.20% of families and 14.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.80% of those under age 18 and 13.90% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

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As of the 2010 United States census, there were 17,535 people, 7,825 households, and 4,948 families residing in the county.[15] The population density was 4.4 inhabitants per square mile (1.7 inhabitants/km2). There were 15,340 housing units at an average density of 3.9 units per square mile (1.5 units/km2).[16] The racial makeup of the county was 96.9% white, 0.7% Asian, 0.5% American Indian, 0.3% black or African American, 0.3% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.0% of the population.[15] In terms of ancestry, 21.4% were English, 16.5% were Irish, 13.6% were American, 8.7% were German, 5.5% were Scottish, and 5.3% were French Canadian.[17]

Of the 7,825 households, 23.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.1% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 36.8% were non-families, and 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.70. The median age was 48.1 years.[15]

The median income for a household in the county was $34,016 and the median income for a family was $43,821. Males had a median income of $34,575 versus $28,014 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,870. About 12.3% of families and 16.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.9% of those under age 18 and 12.6% of those age 65 or over.[18]

Religion

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Piscataquis County has one of the lowest rates of religious adherence in the United States. The county ranks at 3,085 of 3,148 counties (lowest 2%), with 20.5% of the population regularly attending congregations or claiming religious membership.[19]

In Maine, Piscataquis County ranks tenth of the 16 counties in percentage of religious adherents. The State of Maine has the lowest percentage of religious adherents in the United States at 27%.[19][20]

Government and politics

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County officials

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The following individuals hold county offices:[21]

  • County Manager: Michael Williams
  • County Treasurer: Tricia White
  • Mayor: Paul Paydos
  • Finance Administrator: Kathy Walsh
  • Sheriff: Robert Young
  • EMA Director: Debra Hamlin
  • Probate Register: Donna Peterson
  • Deeds Register: Gail Clark
  • District Attorney: R. Chris Almy
  • DA Administrative Assistant: Corinna Rackliff
  • Facilities Director: Josh York
  • Judge of Probate: Benjamin Cabot

County Commissioners and Districts

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Piscataquis County is administered by three County Commissioners, each representing one of the three county districts. They are elected for four-year terms. A term of office begins on January 1 following the election in November. County Commissioner meetings are typically held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at the County Courthouse in Dover-Foxcroft. The meetings begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue until the agenda for the meeting has been addressed.

County Commissioners:

District 1:Eric P. Ward

District 2:James D. Annis

District 3:Frederick Trask

County Districts:

District 1 includes the towns of Abbot, Beaver Cove, Greenville, Guilford, Kingsbury Plt, Monson, Parkman, Shirley, Wellington and the Unorganized Territories of Blanchard, Elliotsville and Northwest Piscataquis.

District 2 includes the towns of Dover-Foxcroft, Sangerville and Willimantic.

District 3 includes the towns of Bowerbank, Brownville, Lake View Plt, Medford, Milo, Sebec and the Unorganized Territories of Atkinson, Barnard, Ebeeme, Katahdin Iron Works, Orneville, Williamsburg and Northeast Piscataquis County.[22]

Voter registration

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Voter registration and party enrollment as of March 2024[23]
Republican 4,884 42.18%
Unenrolled 3,330 28.76%
Democratic 2,545 21.98%
Green Independent 466 4.02%
No Labels 313 2.7%
Libertarian 42 0.36%
Total 11,580 100%

Elections

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County Commissioner

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In the 2012 Piscataquis County Commissioner District 2 election, Republican candidate James Annis received 52% of the vote. Democratic candidate Susan Mackey-Andrews received 48%. In the District 3 election, Republican incumbent Frederick Trask received 50.2% (1,282 votes) and Democratic candidate Donald Crossman received 49.8% (1,271 votes) – a difference of 11 votes, confirmed after a recount.[24]

Piscataquis County Vote
County Commissioner Elections
Year REP DEM IND Other Winner District #
2012 52.0% 1,496 48.0% 1,378 - - - - James Annis 2
2012 50.2% 1,282 49.8% 1,271 - - - - Frederick Trask 3

Governor

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In the Maine gubernatorial election, 2010, Republican candidate Paul LePage received the most votes in Piscataquis County with 48.4%. Three Independent candidates ran in this election: Eliot Cutler received the second most Piscatquis votes with 36.5% of the total, Shawn Moody received 3.1% and Kevin Scott, 1%. Democratic candidate, Libby Mitchell received the third most votes in the county with 10.9% of the total. Paul LePage was elected governor.

In the Maine gubernatorial election, 2006, Republican candidate Chandler Woodcock received the most votes in Piscataquis County with 37.7%. Democratic candidate, incumbent governor John Baldacci received 34.5%. Independent candidate Barbara Merrill received 19.7%, Green party candidate Pat LaMarche received 7.4%, and Phillip Morris NaPier received .63% of the Piscataquis vote. John Baldacci was reelected governor.

In the Maine gubernatorial election, 2002, Democratic candidate John Baldacci received the most votes in Piscataquis County with 50.4%. Republican candidate Peter Cianchette received 42.9% of the county vote and Green Party candidate, Jonathan Carter received 5.1%. John Baldacci was elected governor.

In the Maine gubernatorial election, 1998, Independent candidate Angus King received the most votes in Piscataquis County with 50.2%. Republican candidate James Longley, Jr. received 26.6%, Democratic candidate Tom Connolly received 10.7%. Other candidates split 12.5% of the vote. Angus King was elected governor.

Piscataquis County Vote
State Governor Elections
Year REP DEM IND Other Winner
2018 55.0% 4,075 38.7% 2,868 6.3% 463 - - Shawn Moody
2014 57.9% 4,736 34.4% 2,810 7.7% 631 .0% 2 Paul LePage
2010 48.4% 3,724 10.9% 837 40.6% 3,124 .1% 1 Paul LePage
2006 37.7% 2,829 34.5% 2,591 19.7% 1,476 8.1% 606 Chandler Woodcock
2002 42.9% 3,045 50.4% 3,583 - - 5.1% 362 John Baldacci
1998 26.6% 1,752 10.7% 708 50.2% 3,313 12.5% 824 Angus King
1994 34.7% 2,649 28.9% 2,206 27.9% 2,131 8.6% 655 Susan Collins
1990 51.1% 4,177 39.3% 3,213 9.6% 783 0% 4 John McKernan

US House

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Piscataquis County is entirely within Maine's 2nd congressional district, which comprises 80% of the state and is the largest district by land area east of the Mississippi River.

In the United States House of Representatives elections in Maine, 2012, incumbent Democratic candidate Michael Michaud received the most Piscataquis County votes with 53% of the total. Republican candidate, Kevin Raye received 47%. Michael Michaud was reelected to the House.

Piscataquis County Vote
US House Elections
Year REP DEM IND Other Winner
2020 54.9% 5,483 44.9% 4,338 - - 175 .2% Dale Crafts
2012 47.0% 4,150 53.0% 4,673 - - - - Michael Michaud

US Senate

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In the United States Senate election in Maine, 2012, Independent candidate and former Maine governor, Angus King received the most votes in Piscataquis County with 45.7% of the vote. Republican candidate, Charlie Summers received 40.1% and Democratic candidate Cynthia Dill received 10.4%. Stephen M. Woods received 136 votes, Andrew I. Dodge received 126 votes and Danny F. Dalton, 76 votes. Angus King was elected to the Senate.

Piscataquis County Vote
US Senate Elections
Year REP DEM IND Other Winner
2020 67.0% 6,603 26.9% 2,655 6.1% 504 - - Susan Collins
2018 47.8% 3,579 7.1% 534 45.1% 3,379 .0% 4 Eric Brakey
2014 76.8% 6,174 23.1% 1,862 - - .1% 6 Susan Collins
2012 40.1% 3,522 10.4% 911 45.7% 4,016 3.8% 338 Angus King
2008 69.1% 6,494 30.8% 2,896 -- 0% 4 Susan Collins
2006 75.4% 5,564 16.9% 1,244 7.6% 558 .1% 10 Olympia Snowe
2002 65.3% 4,633 34.7% 2,459 -- - - Susan Collins
2000 71.9% 6,428 28.1% 2,510 -- - - Olympia Snowe
1996 56.3% 5,057 38.2% 3,429 -- 5.5% 494 Susan Collins
1994 69.9% 5,313 26.8% 2,037 3.2% 245 .1% 9 Olympia Snowe
1990 66.0% 5,222 34.0% 2,686 - - - - William Cohen

President

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Piscataquis County is one of the most reliably Republican counties in New England, only voting for a someone other than the Republican candidate five times since 1880 — voting for Bull Moose Party nominee Theodore Roosevelt (a former Republican) in 1912, Democrats Lyndon B. Johnson and Hubert Humphrey in 1964 and 1968 respectively, independent Ross Perot in 1992, and Democrat Bill Clinton in 1996.

Since 2000, Piscataquis County has maintained its strong Republican lean, continuing to be the most reliably Republican county in Maine, and New England. In 2008, Piscataquis was the only county in New England to vote for John McCain, who won the county by a margin of 355 votes or 3.8%[25] over Barack Obama, with Obama winning Maine by a 17.3% margin over McCain.[26] In 2012, Piscataquis was only one of five counties in New England to support Republican candidate Mitt Romney, and the only county in Maine to do so.[27] Romney received the most votes in Piscataquis County with 50.6%. Democratic incumbent Barack Obama received 46.3%. Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson received 1.5% and Green Independent candidate Jill Stein received 1.24%. There were a total of 30 "write in" votes; 29 of these were for Ron Paul and 1 for Rocky Anderson. Barack Obama was reelected President.[28][29] Republican candidate Donald Trump carried the county in 2016 while greatly improving on Romney's performance. He won it again in 2020 with 62% of the vote, marking the first time a presidential candidate from any party won Piscataquis County with over 60% of the vote since Ronald Reagan in 1984.

In 2000, George W. Bush carried the county by an 11.9% margin over Al Gore, with Gore carrying the state by a 5.1% margin over Bush. In 2004, the county was one of only two in Maine to vote for Bush over John Kerry. Bush won by a 9% margin over Kerry, with Kerry winning the state by a virtually even margin over Bush.[30]

In 1996, Bill Clinton carried the county with 48.7% of the vote, the first Democrat to do so since 1968, an election in which the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee was Mainer Edmund Muskie. 1996 is also the last time a Democrat won the county in a Presidential election.[31]

In the 1992 presidential election, independent Ross Perot won a plurality 36.8% in the county, one of three counties he won in the state.[32]

United States presidential election results for Piscataquis County, Maine[33]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 6,487 63.57% 3,510 34.39% 208 2.04%
2020 6,143 62.00% 3,517 35.50% 248 2.50%
2016 5,406 58.88% 3,098 33.74% 678 7.38%
2012 4,530 50.59% 4,149 46.33% 276 3.08%
2008 4,785 50.72% 4,430 46.96% 219 2.32%
2004 5,299 53.31% 4,409 44.36% 232 2.33%
2000 4,845 52.34% 3,745 40.46% 666 7.20%
1996 2,815 31.56% 4,343 48.69% 1,762 19.75%
1992 2,970 29.61% 3,323 33.13% 3,738 37.26%
1988 4,788 58.27% 3,323 40.44% 106 1.29%
1984 5,427 63.98% 3,016 35.56% 39 0.46%
1980 4,015 46.93% 3,550 41.50% 990 11.57%
1976 4,084 50.48% 3,727 46.07% 279 3.45%
1972 4,617 64.70% 2,518 35.29% 1 0.01%
1968 3,199 46.24% 3,561 51.47% 158 2.28%
1964 2,473 34.06% 4,781 65.84% 7 0.10%
1960 4,959 63.43% 2,859 36.57% 0 0.00%
1956 5,336 77.59% 1,541 22.41% 0 0.00%
1952 4,652 67.20% 2,261 32.66% 10 0.14%
1948 3,227 59.34% 2,181 40.11% 30 0.55%
1944 3,536 54.45% 2,957 45.53% 1 0.02%
1940 3,806 52.05% 3,499 47.85% 7 0.10%
1936 4,057 55.61% 3,051 41.82% 187 2.56%
1932 4,198 59.14% 2,849 40.13% 52 0.73%
1928 4,792 77.78% 1,353 21.96% 16 0.26%
1924 4,031 75.94% 974 18.35% 303 5.71%
1920 4,049 68.79% 1,788 30.38% 49 0.83%
1916 2,142 54.16% 1,763 44.58% 50 1.26%
1912 807 21.41% 1,210 32.10% 1,753 46.50%
1908 2,157 70.49% 828 27.06% 75 2.45%
1904 2,043 74.51% 616 22.47% 83 3.03%
1900 2,023 67.50% 824 27.49% 150 5.01%
1896 2,342 70.37% 904 27.16% 82 2.46%
1892 1,909 58.02% 1,249 37.96% 132 4.01%
1888 2,091 60.35% 1,297 37.43% 77 2.22%
1884 1,976 58.02% 1,169 34.32% 261 7.66%
1880 1,943 56.83% 1,330 38.90% 146 4.27%

Communities

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Towns

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Plantations

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Census-designated places

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Survey Townships

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Unorganized territories

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Notable people

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See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ The others are Lake County and Cook County in Minnesota, Ontonagon County and Keweenaw County in Michigan, Issaquena County in Mississippi, and Highland County in Virginia

References

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  1. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Piscataquis County, Maine". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ source: US Census Bureau. "Frontier Counties of the United States 2010 (archived)". Rural Health Information Hub. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  4. ^ “PLANT PROFILE: Charles Horne Sr. Pollution Control Facility.” Water Environment & Technology 15, no. 6 (2003): 60–60. http://www.jstor.org/stable/24670431.
  5. ^ Palmquist, Ron. Railroad History, no. 182 (2000): 111–12. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43522228.
  6. ^ Acheson, James M. “Maine: On the Cusp of the Forest Transition.” Human Organization 67, no. 2 (2008): 125–36. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44127091.
  7. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on September 9, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  8. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  9. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  10. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  11. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  12. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
  13. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
  14. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  15. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  16. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  17. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  18. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  19. ^ a b "Archived copy". Archived from the original on July 29, 2015. Retrieved January 18, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  20. ^ "PHOTOS: Most And Least Christian States In America". Huffington Post. May 29, 2012.
  21. ^ "Piscataquis County Commissioners".
  22. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on January 21, 2020. Retrieved January 14, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  23. ^ Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions. "Registered & Enrolled Voters Statewide" (PDF). Maine SOS. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  24. ^ "Trask prevails by 11 votes in Piscataquis county commissioner recount". November 26, 2012.
  25. ^ "November 4, 2008 General Election Tabulations (US President by County)". Archived from the original on August 25, 2009. Retrieved July 4, 2009.
  26. ^ 2008 Presidential General Election Results. U.S. Election Atlas. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
  27. ^ "Piscataquis keeps red reputation as only Maine county to back Romney". November 7, 2012.
  28. ^ "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org.
  29. ^ "Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions, Elections Division". Archived from the original on August 1, 2012.
  30. ^ 2004 Presidential General Election Data Graphs – Maine. U.S. Election Atlas. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
  31. ^ 1996 Presidential General Election Data Graphs – Maine. U.S. Election Atlas. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
  32. ^ 1992 Presidential General Election Data Graphs – Maine. U.S. Election Atlas. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
  33. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved August 26, 2018.
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45°50′N 69°18′W / 45.84°N 69.30°W / 45.84; -69.30

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