LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Farmington: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Farmington through the years.
In 1800, a 40-by-50-foot (12 by 15 m), two-story meetinghouse was erected on Meetinghouse Hill. The same year, John Wingate established a blacksmithy.
1839 - Farmington
Farmington, New Hampshire
Strafford county, was formerly a part of Rochester, but was incorporated as a distinct town, Dec. 1, 1798. It lies 36 miles E.N.E. from Concord and 17 N.W. by N. from Dover. The Cocheco meanders through the N.E. part of the town. The Blue hills or Frost mountains extend nearly through the town under different names. From the summit of the ridge in the S.E. part, ships may be seen by the naked eye off Portsmouth harbor; while to the N. and W. the White Hills and the Monadnock, with hundreds of smaller mountains, meet the eye of the beholder. There is, not far from the village in Farmington, a rock supposed to weigh from 60 to 80 tons, so exactly positioned on other rocks, that it may be caused to vibrate several inches by the hand. At the bank of the Cocheco, a little more than a mile S.E. from the principal village, is a place called the Dock, so named from the circumstance that the first settlers usually deposited their lumber here to be floated down the...
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1854 - Farmington
FARMINGTON, a post - township of Strafford co., N. H., on the Cocheco railroad, 25 miles E. N. E. from Concord. In this township, there is a rock from 60 to 80 tons in weight, so accurately poised that it may be made to vibrate by the hand. Population, 1699.
A large fire in 1875 destroyed much of the center of town, but the community survived.
1895 - Farmington
Farmington, a post - village of Strafford co., N.H., in Farmington township, on the Cocheco River, 18 miles by rail N.N.W. of Dover. It has a national bank, 2 churches, a savings-bank, a graded school, a newspaper office, and manufactures of boots and shoes, boxes, and lumber. Pop. of the township in 1890, 3064.
1938 - Circus Train Wreck
FARMINGTON, N. H., July 22.- Five men were killed and eight were injured today when five seventy-foot steel flat-cars in a 20-car train bearing the performers and equipment of the Bernardi Greater Shows from Laconia, N. H., to Gloucester, Mass., were wrecked by a falling drawbar two miles south of here.
All of the men killed were laborers of the traveling carnival troupe and were lying or sitting under and among the wagons and other show
equipment to escape the drenching rain.
A check-up of the employes of the show tonight indicated a possibility that two other men might have been buried beneath the wreck. Crews from Rochester and Concord worked until late in an attempt to find them.
Identification of the dead was difficult because the laborers were known mainly by their nicknames, but four of the five bodies were identified as
those of Reginald Paggett of Lyndhburg, Va.; George Munroe of Baltimore, Md.: William M. Glienicka, colored, of 2.642 Orthodox...
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Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Farmington and the surrounding area:
Farmington Country Club: If you enjoy golfing, this 9-hole golf course is a great place to tee off. It's well-maintained and offers a relaxed atmosphere.
Farmington Fair: This is one of the biggest events in Farmington, held annually in October. It's a classic New England fair with rides, games, agricultural exhibits, and delicious fair food. Don't miss the demolition derby!
Downtown Farmington: Stroll through the historic downtown area, where you'll find charming shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great place for a leisurely walk and to explore the local businesses.
Milton Town Beach: Just a short drive away in neighboring Milton, you can enjoy some beach time at Milton Town Beach on Milton Three Ponds. It's a lovely spot for swimming and picnicking during the summer months.
Farmington Historical Society Museum: Learn about the town's history by visiting this local museum. It's a great place to discover Farmington's past and its role in New Hampshire's...
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