History of Farnham, Québec, Canada

The township of Farnham was proclaimed in 1799. It is believed that Mr. Jos Higgins, originally from the United States, would be the first resident of Farnham-West (this was the name Farnham was known at the time).
He would be installed there in 1805. Over the next two decades, no more than three families came to settle there.
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The first sawmill was built on the Yamaska River in 1817.

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1832 - FARNHAM,
township, in the co. of Shefford, is bounded N. by the T. of Granby and the s angle of the S. of St. Hyacinthe; S. by Stanbridge and Durham; E. by the T. of Brome, and W. by the aug. to the S. of Monnoir. It is watered throughout by the first branches of the R. Yamaska. The land is of good quality, similar to that of Stanbridge though perhaps with a greater proportion of indifferent tracts; in the N.W. parts are wide-spreading swamps. - The best parts are timber principally with beech, elm and maple; on the marshy parts are usual inferior sorts. - Watered by large branches of the river Yamaska, on which are many corn and saw-mills. - Several roads cross in every direction. Along the banks of the streams are some good patches of settlements. Nearly all the land is granted. In 1798, Mr. Samuel Gale and others obtained a large portion and still continue the greatest landholders: in 1805, a grant was made to the family of the late Colonel Cuyler, and in 1809 the westernly part, being the... Read MORE...

A flour mill was built in 1840.

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1847 - Église de Saint-Romuald established at Farnham

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In 1851, a first bridge was opened there.

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On January 6, 1859, the first train of the Stanstead, Shefford and Chambly Railroad company entered Farnham and thus marked a new stage in its history.
West Farnham then includes the territories of Rainville and Farnham, as well as part of the territory of Sainte-Sabine. In 1862, the village of Farnham was detached from the township.
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1867 - East Farnham / Farnham Centre
"EAST FARNHAM. A pretty active village in the township of Farnham, Missisquoi County, 4£ miles from Sweetsburg, 11 miles from Farnham Station, and 12 miles from Granby. It is the centre of a rich farming country. There is one church in village Union; also several factories, Ac. Allen and Bull, chair and furniture manufacturers.

FARNHAM CENTRE. A small village in township of Farnham, county of Brome ; 7 miles from Sweetsburg, and 8 from West Farnham. Mails received and despatched daily. There are two churches in the place, Presbyterian and Methodist, a hotel, two stores, &c."

The Eastern Townships Gazetteer and General Business Directory: A Commercial Directory and Guide to the Eastern Townships of Canada, Containing Also Much Useful Information of a Miscellaneous Character ... January 1, 1867 Smith & Company

In 1873, the South Eastern Railway inaugurated a railway linking West Farnham to Richford and Newport (the State of Vermont in the United States).
This company established its head office, roundhouse and repair shops in Farnham.
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In 1876, the village of Farnham was erected as a city.
Also in 1876, the Gray Nuns of Saint-Hyacinthe founded the Hospice Sainte-Élisabeth in the city for orphans, invalids and the elderly.
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In 1910, a dam 22 meters high and a hydroelectric power station opened there.

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1916
Farnham, a banking post-town of Missisquoi co., Quebec, on the Canadian Pacific and the Central Vermont Rs., 15 miles SE. of Granby. It has railroad-car shops and manufactures of dairy produce, beet-sugar, etc Pop. in 1901, 3114.
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

1916 - HOSPITAL FIRE FATAL TO ELEVEN. ST. ELIZABETH'S HOSPITAL AT FARNHAM, QUEBEC, DESTROYED. FIRE ESCAPES INADEQUATE.
INVESTIGATION WILL START IMMEDIATELY TO DETERMINE RESPONSIBILITY - TWENTY-FIVE CHILDREN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LEAPING FROM THE BUILDING.

Farnham, Quebec, Oct., 26. - (AP) - Six adults and five children, at least, lost their lives in a fire which destroyed the St. Elizabeth's hospital here today. This forenoon the ruins still were blazing and it was impossible to approach them to search for from 15 to 25 persons reported missing.

Farnham, Que., Oct. 26 - (UP) - Five persons are known to be dead and fifteen others are missing as the result of a fire which destroyed St. Elizabeth hospital and laundry during the night.

Scores of children were injured by jumping from windows. Three hundred and fifty inmates were asleep in the building when the fire broke out and many of these are unaccounted for.

Several other dwellings adjacent were badly damaged by water and smoke. About twenty-five children are lying badly injured through jumping to the stone pavement from the third story... Read MORE...

Around 1930, there were clothing factories, a carpet and rug factory for the Collins and Aikman company, a tile and linoleum factory for Dominion Oilcloth, a subsidiary of the British company Domco Industries.

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In 1939, in Farnham, an internment camp for Canadians of origin from countries forming part of the German-Italian-Japanese axis was established.
From 1940, it also served as a prisoner of war camp. This internment camp accommodates up to 500 prisoners. It was closed in 1944.
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1949 - Canadian Pacific Railway station at Farnham destroyed by fire

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Farnham
Farnham, Qué, Town, pop 7809 (2006c), 7747 (2001c), inc 1876. Farnham is located about 65 km southeast of Montréal on the banks of the Yamaska River, at the boundary between the plain of Montréal and the Eastern Townships. The Township of West Farnham (created 22 October 1798) was settled in the early 19th century by LOYALISTS from northern New England, mainly Vermont. Later, Francophones migrated from regions around the Richelieu and Yamaska rivers (Rouville and St-Hyacinthe counties). The village of West Farnham was incorporated in 1862. Francophones have long been in the majority and now represent over 85% of the population.
During the first 40 years (1810-50), the chief source of revenue was the manufacture of potash. The construction of the Stanstead-Shefford & Chambly Railway in 1857 began Farnham's remarkable progress as a railway centre, thanks to its geographic position and competition among railway promoters. The South Eastern Railway was constructed from West Farnham to... Read MORE...

2023 - There are plenty of places to go and things to do in Farnham. Here's a list to help you plan your visit:
Farnham Golf Club: Start your day with a round of golf at the Farnham Golf Club. This well-maintained course offers scenic views and is suitable for both beginners and experienced golfers.

Ferme Guyon: Explore the enchanting Ferme Guyon, a family-friendly destination with beautiful gardens, greenhouses, and a variety of seasonal events. You can pick your own fruits and vegetables in the summer, or enjoy the festive atmosphere during the holiday season.

Château de Farnham: Take a trip back in time by visiting the Château de Farnham. This historic castle, now a luxury hotel, offers guided tours that provide insight into the town's rich history. Even if you're not staying there, the architecture and gardens are worth admiring.

Vignoble La Bauge: Wine enthusiasts should not miss Vignoble La Bauge, a local winery that produces a variety of wines, including ice wine. Take a guided tour of the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy tastings of their delicious... Read MORE...