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In 1856 James C. Dow, editor of the Dakota Weekly Journal, a territorial newspaper published in Hastings, wrote this about Farmington:

"Farmington is situated on the Vermillion River, about fifteen miles from Hastings. This place is rightly named, for it looks like a village of farms. Good soil, good water, good timber and intelligent citizens is their wealth."

The city of Farmington, named after Farmington, New York, is one of Dakota County’s oldest communities and was on the map before Minnesota became a state.

Irving Todd, publisher of the Hastings Conserver, recorded these observations in 1863:

"Farmington seems to us to be suitably named, being a vast conglomeration of farms and farm houses. We could not but notice the thrifty look which bespoke the careful husbandman."

The "vast conglomeration of farms and farm houses" would eventually be platted in 1864. A business district, with a railroad depot to serve its needs, was constructed a year later. Schools, churches, and community organizations were established to meet the necessities of an increasing population.

Farmington would rival Hastings in size and influence, becoming the county’s western business, educational, and medical center. More than once Farmington would contend with Hastings for the county seat.

In 1872 Farmington became the second community in the county to be incorporated.

Farmington was a young village, growing fast and learning what its position and purpose would be in the county. The community’s leading citizens were of old New England stock. Many of them were Civil War veterans. It would be their Yankee attitudes, values, and beliefs that would shape the community for generations to come.