π Location & Geography
Farmington is a town located in Franklin County, in the state of Maine, United States. The town is situated in the foothills of the scenic White Mountains and is surrounded by several lakes and rivers. The Sandy River, a tributary of the Kennebec River, runs through the town. The terrain is characterized by a mix of rolling hills, farmland, and forested areas.
π Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Farmington, Maine are approximately 44.67 degrees North latitude and 70.15 degrees West longitude.
πΊοΈ Region & Area
Farmington is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It serves as the county seat of Franklin County. The town covers a total area of approximately 55.82 square miles (144.57 square kilometers), of which 55.65 square miles (144.04 square kilometers) is land and 0.17 square miles (0.44 square kilometers) is water.
π₯ Population & Demographics
As per the 2020 census, Farmington has a population of approximately 7,760 residents. The town is predominantly Caucasian, with minorities making up a small percentage of the population. The median age in Farmington is around 36 years, slightly younger than the state average.
ποΈ History
Farmington was first settled in 1776 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1794. It was named after Farmington, Connecticut by the early settlers from that town. The town grew as an agricultural and trade center, and later developed into an important industrial town with the establishment of sawmills, gristmills, and tanneries. Farmington is also known as the birthplace of Chester Greenwood, the inventor of earmuffs.
ποΈ Nature & Environment
Farmington is known for its beautiful natural environment. The town is surrounded by several lakes and rivers, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water activities. The nearby White Mountains offer hiking, camping, and winter sports. The town is also home to several parks and green spaces, including the Farmington Town Forest and the Bonney Woods.
π« Education
Farmington is home to the University of Maine at Farmington, a public liberal arts college that is part of the University of Maine System. The town’s public schools are managed by the Regional School Unit 9, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Mt. Blue High School.
π§ Transportation
Farmington is served by U.S. Route 2 and State Routes 4, 27, 41, and 133, providing connections to other parts of Maine and the New England region. The town does not have its own airport, but the Augusta State Airport and the Portland International Jetport are within driving distance. Local public transportation is provided by the Western Maine Transportation Services.
π Trivia & Events
Farmington is known as the “Earmuff Capital of the World”, in honor of Chester Greenwood, who invented the earmuff in Farmington in 1873. The town celebrates “Chester Greenwood Day” on the first Saturday of December each year, with a parade and other festivities. Farmington is also home to the annual Farmington Fair, a traditional agricultural fair that has been held since 1883.