Peru is a town in Oxford County, Maine, United States.

Peru is included in the Lewiston-Auburn, Maine metropolitan New England city and town area.

[2] It was granted by the Massachusetts General Court to several residents from Falmouth, Maine.

Organized in 1812 as Plantation Number 1 (also Thompsontown), it was incorporated on February 5, 1821, as the 240th town in Maine.

[3] With dark soil free from stones, farming was an early industry.

The chief crop was hay, and raising sheep became a common occupation.

In addition, there were five sawmills which manufactured long and short lumber, as well as specialty products like wooden bowls.

27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

22.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The racial makeup of the town was 99.27% White, 0.33% Native American, 0.13% Asian, and 0.26% from two or more races.