In the 17th and 18th centuries, people migrated from England and Ireland and settled in Farmington as farmers. In the summer of 1856, after the first train en into Kent County, the Flatiron town gained its name “Farmington.”
William A. Powell describes Farmington’s development as “a village that sprang up in the fields and a community that had known only a quiet pastoral life” that soon “boasted a railroad station and agent, post-office, three stores, black-smith and wheel-wright shop and a magistrate’s court with a session every two weeks.”
In 1858, the first post office was officially established.
In 1909, the town incorporated and elected a town council. At the time, their concerns centered around keeping the streets clear of snow in winter, hiring police service at Halloween, and keeping drainage ditches in town flowing.
In 1914, a large fire devastated many Main Street homes, but the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company wasn’t established until 1951.
In 1968, Farmington was the site of Farmington Academy in the old Presbyterian Church. It fashioned young men and women who became doctors, lawyers, authors, professors, ministers, and engineers. About 10-12 years later, after expansions and many talented teachers and students, Farmington Academy closed.
In the late 19th century, several businesses were operating in Farmington, including an evaporator and cannery factory. The factory produced 1,800 baskets of peaches and 100,000 cans of peaches per year. Other companies in the area included a sawmill, dry goods, farm produce and fertilizer, timber manufacturers, a grist mill, grain, and some general stores.
In 1990, the post office was closed because of structural deficiencies. Now, residents must travel to Greenwood or Harrington for postal services.