Photo by John Gisis Photography

The Abenaki people called it Chemung, a “canoe place”. In the 1770’s was known as the North West Parish of Rochester. It then evolved into a settlement that gained its own charter from the November 1798 session of the General Court of the State of New Hampshire. One year later, at its first ever Town Meeting, the voters authorized a Selectmen form of government, naming Ichabod Hayes, Lieutenant Ephraim Kimball and David Roberts as the first Governing Board of Selectmen.

While farming and agriculture have been a core part of this community, the location of three rivers, the Cocheco, Ela and Mad rivers, encouraged the establishment of water-powered industries in through the vital mill area firmly established Farmington as a commercial center.

Farmington is also the home of a son of national route. Born in Farmington on February 16, 1812, Henry Wilson rose from a childhood of poverty and indentured servitude to become Vice President of the United States under Ulysses S. Grant.

Farmington is proud of its past, but always looks to and plans for the future. Today, Farmington is a healthy mix of industrial, retail, and service sector business, with a robust downtown that still reflects its past in a quaint and attractive setting.

In addition to a diverse economy, Farmington is a great environment for families and children. Sports and other activities abound through the school district and the Town of Farmington Parks and Recreation Department. Seniors are well served as there are recreation activities for them as well.

Farmington has a lot to offer with three municipal parks, ball fields, a public golf course, and conservation areas along the Mad River. As the “Gateway to the Lakes Region” of New Hampshire, and a short drive from the Seacoast, Farmington is the ideal location to work, live and raise a family.