Situated in Strafford County along the Cocheco River, Farmington, New Hampshire, is historically celebrated as "The Shoe Town." While it began as a quiet agricultural outgrowth of a coastal parish, the town evolved into a roaring industrial engine during the 19th century, pioneering mechanized manufacturing techniques that changed the American footwear industry forever.
Old photo of the Civil War monument at Farmington NH - circa 1890s
Originally Part of the Rochester Northwest Parish: Long before it achieved municipal independence, the land that comprises Farmington was part of a massive 1722 land grant known as Rochester. As farmers pushed inland toward the Blue Hills, the area became known geographically as the "Northwest Parish" or simply "Farmington Dock"—referring to the logging drop point along the Cocheco River.
Incorporation and an Explicitly Literal Name: As the inland farming community grew, the residents tired of traveling long distances down to Rochester's main settlement to attend required church meetings and conduct civic business. They successfully petitioned the state legislature to separate, officially incorporating as the independent town of Farmington on December 1, 1798. The name was chosen to literally reflect its landscape as an exceptional cluster of fertile farms.
The Baseline 1800 Census: Following its official entry into New Hampshire municipal records as an independent entity, Farmington took its very first federal census baseline. In 1800, the newly formed agricultural town recorded a starting community of exactly 1,029 permanent residents.
The Cradle of the Mechanized Shoe Industry: Farmington's history shifted radically in 1835 when local innovator E.H. Badger built the town’s first dedicated shoe shop. Instead of sticking to traditional, slow, hand-sewn methods, Farmington manufacturers became early adopters of steam power and mechanized cutting machinery. The town quickly grew into one of the leading shoe-manufacturing centers in New England, boasting dozens of factories by the late 19th century.
The Transformative Arrival of the Cochecho Railroad: The town’s explosive industrial scaling was supercharged in September 1849 with the completion of the Cochecho Railroad line, linking Dover directly to Alton with Farmington positioned as a major midway station. This infrastructure connected Farmington’s shoe factories to global leather supplies and allowed millions of finished pairs of boots to be rapidly exported across the country.
The Birthplace of Vice President Henry Wilson: Farmington is the birthplace of one of the 19th century's most influential anti-slavery politicians: Henry Wilson. Born into grinding poverty in Farmington in 1812 as Jeremiah Jones Colbath, he legally changed his name upon adulthood, learned the shoemaking trade, and rose through politics to become a powerful U.S. Senator. He ultimately served as the 18th Vice President of the United States under President Ulysses S. Grant.
The 1875 Catastrophic Downtown Fire: Like many industrial towns built largely of timber, Farmington suffered a devastating tragedy on May 15, 1875. A massive fire broke out in the heart of the village, tearing through the commercial center. The inferno reduced several major shoe factories, dozens of businesses, and numerous homes to ash. Demonstrating rapid resilience, the town immediately rebuilt its downtown utilizing sturdy, historic brick architecture.
The Monumental Civil War Contribution: During the American Civil War, Farmington punched far above its weight class logistically and militarily. Leveraging its factory infrastructure, the town became a primary supplier of rugged leather combat boots for the Union Army. Concurrently, hundreds of local men enlisted in the New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry regiments, driven forward by the fiery abolitionist speeches of their native son, Senator Henry Wilson.
The Historic Goodwin Library Legacy: In the late 19th century, the town prioritized civic enrichment. Following a generous financial bequest from local benefactor George Nathaniel Goodwin, the town established its first permanent public library framework. This culminated in the construction of the beautiful, historic brick Goodwin Library, which opened its doors in 1929 and continues to serve as a cornerstone of the town's cultural and educational life.
The Modern Transition Beyond Manufacturing: Throughout the mid-20th century, global economic shifts and foreign competition forced a slow, painful decline of the domestic New England shoe industry. One by one, Farmington's historic factories ceased operations. Today, the town has successfully transitioned into a peaceful residential community, carefully repurposing its old industrial spaces while acting as a gateway to the Lakes Region.
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