History of Farmington, Maine, USA

1839 - Farmington
Farmington, Maine
County town of Franklin county. This very beautiful town lies 29 miles N.W. from Augusta, and is watered by Sandy and Little Norridgewock rivers. At the union of these rivers are excellent mill privileges, and a delightful village, the seat of justice. Farther up the Sandy, about 5 miles, is another beautiful village, the seat of a flourishing academy. The soil of Farmington being of a superior quality, the inhabitants are induced to devote much attention to agricultural pursuits; yet it is a place of some manufactures and considerable trade in lumber and other merchandize. The agricultural products of Farmington are various and valuable. In 1837 it produced 12,406 bushels of as good wheat as ever grew on the banks of the Ohio. Incorporated, 1794. Population, 1837, 2,507.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1854 - Farmington
Farmington, a post-township of Franklin county, Maine, 80 miles N. W. from Augusta. Population, 2725. It contains a village of its own name.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1859
FARMINGTON, a township of Franklin co., in the state of Maine, U.S., 32 m. NW of Augusta. Pop. in 1840, 2,613. The village is situated at the junction of Sandy and Little Norridgewock rivers.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1886 - Farmington
Farmington, the shire town of Franklin County, is situated near its southern part. It is 10 miles long and 7 wide at the northern part. The area is 27,000 acres. Sandy River runs through it from north to south, dividing into nearly equal parts. The other large water-courses are Wilson's Stream and Beaver Dam Brook. There are numerous small streams and springs in every part of the town. Some of the high lands, particularly in the northern part, are somewhat rocky and difficult to cultivate; but the soil is generally easily worked and fertile, especially in the intervals and adjacent uplands. The first, however, afford excellent pasturage, and are decked in their season with numerous flocks of sheep. Hay and wool are the principal agricultural exports. Orchards of apple and other fruit-trees abound. Powder House Hill, just above Farmington Village, is the most notable eminence. There are several others, but none of great height. Limestone of poor quality exists in several places, but... Read MORE...

1889 - Farmington
In a secluded, yet easily accessible region of the Garden State, lies one of the most beautiful and attractive towns of New England. Farmington has long been known and sought by lovers of nature for its rare and unique charms. Situated in the southern part of Franklin County, of which it. is the shire town, it is reached directly by the Maine Central Railroad, of which it is the terminus, being about ninety-five miles distant from Portland. It is also the southern terminus of the Sandy River Railroad, being the central station and starting-place for all the Io¾rely region between it and the Rangely Lakes. It is a large town, being about ten miles in length and seven in breadth, containing twenty-seven thousand square acres of unusually fertile soil. When it was first settled it received its name Far- mington because of its great fertility of soil and great ad vantages for farming. The chief products of the soil, since an early period, have been hay and wool. The Sandy River runs... Read MORE...

1890 - August 7 - Stationary Traveling.
Thoreau believed, or sometimes talked as if he believed, that everything was to be found in Concord. There was no great occasion for traveling, he thought. If you really needed to see anything, you had only to stay at home, and in due time it would come to you.

This was somewhat whimsical, and no one was better aware of the fact than Thoreau himself, who loved a paradox as other men love a dinner. But one of our exchanges knows of a man who seems to have been a pretty wide traveler without ever having been away from home.

He has lived in two states, in three counties and in three towns, and yet he has always lived where he was born. The facts of the case are these:

Charles Graham was born in the state of Massachusetts, town of New Vineyard, and county of Kennebec, the 28th day of May, 1819. In 1820 that part of Massachusetts was incorporated or set off as Maine. He still lived in New Vineyard, Kennebec county, but in Maine instead of Massachusetts.

The his part of New... Read MORE...

1895 - Farmington
Farmington, a post-village, capital of Franklin co., Me, in Farmington township, on the Sandy River, 43 miles by rail N. of Lewiston, and 29 miles (direct) N.W. of Augusta. It is the northern terminus of the Androscoggin division of the Maine Central Railroad, 83 miles N. of Port land. It contains a court-house, 4 churches, a national bank, a savings-bank, a trust company, the Western Maine Normal School, a newspaper office, the Abbott Family School, several wood-turning factories, and manufactures of carriages. Quarries of slate have been opened in this township. Pop, in 1890, 1243; of the township, 3207.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Farmington, a banking post-village, capital of Franklin co., Me., in Farmington township (town), on the Sandy River, 35 miles NW. of Augusta, on the Maine Central and the Sandy River Rs. It contains a court-house, a state normal school, and the Abbott Family School, and has various manufactures. Quarries of slate have been opened in the town. Pop. in 1900, 1251 ; of the town, 3288.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

2023 - Farmington, Maine is a charming place with a lot to offer. Here's a mix of places to visit and things to do in and around the area:
Titcomb Mountain:

If you're into skiing or snowboarding, Titcomb Mountain is the place to be during the winter. They also have great trails for hiking and biking in the warmer months.

Maine's Paper and Heritage Museum:

Delve into the history of the region by visiting this museum. It's a fascinating journey through the development of the paper industry in Maine.

Nordica Homestead Museum:

Step back in time and explore the life of the famous opera singer, Lillian Nordica. The museum showcases her home and memorabilia, providing a glimpse into the past.

Farmington Historical Society:

Learn more about the local history by stopping by the Farmington Historical Society. They often have exhibits and events that highlight the area's rich heritage.

Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad:

Take a scenic train ride on the historic Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad. It's a great way to experience the beauty of the Maine countryside.

Wilton Blueberry... Read MORE...