Farmington History

125 Years of Farmington

From pioneer settlement to Utah's most exciting city

1847–1900Pioneer Settlement
1847

Mormon pioneers arrive in the Salt Lake Valley. Farmington is among the first settlements north of Salt Lake City.

1848

First families settle along Farmington Creek, drawn by fertile soil and mountain water.

1850

Farmington is officially organized as a community. The first schoolhouse and church are built.

1852

Rock Chapel constructed — one of the oldest buildings in Davis County, still standing today.

1886

Lagoon Resort opens as a bathing resort on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. It would become Utah's largest amusement park.

1890s

Farmington grows as an agricultural hub with orchards, dairy farms, and grain fields stretching to the lake.

1901–1950Incorporation & Growth
1901

Farmington officially incorporates as a city — the beginning of formal self-governance.

1908

Lagoon transitions from a lakeside resort to an amusement park with its first roller coaster.

1920s

Farmington's Main Street becomes a thriving commercial center with general stores, a post office, and community gathering places.

1930s

The Great Depression hits, but Farmington's agricultural base helps families weather the storm.

1940s

World War II brings Hill Air Force Base nearby, transforming Davis County's economy and bringing new residents.

1950–1990Suburban Transformation
1950s

Post-war housing boom transforms Farmington from a rural town to a growing suburb. New neighborhoods spring up.

1960s

Lagoon adds major attractions including the Roller Coaster and Terroride, becoming a regional destination.

1970s

Farmington Elementary and Knowlton Elementary open to serve the growing population of young families.

1980s

Oakridge Country Club established, bringing upscale residential development to the foothills.

1987

Lagoon-A-Beach waterpark opens, making Lagoon a full summer resort destination.

1990–2015Modern Development
2008

FrontRunner commuter rail opens Farmington Station, connecting the city to Salt Lake City (25 min) and Ogden (20 min).

2011

Station Park opens — a 62-acre mixed-use development with 60+ shops, restaurants, and residential units around the FrontRunner station.

2012

Farmington's population crosses 20,000 as new developments attract families from across the Wasatch Front.

2014

Farmington Ranches and Farmington Creek Estates expand residential options with modern homes and mountain views.

2015–PresentThe Farmington Renaissance
2024

Western Sports Park opens — a $70M multi-sport complex with indoor/outdoor fields, arenas, and national event hosting.

2025

Bonnie & Clyde's (1930s café) and Cilantree (Indian cuisine) open at Station Park. Farmington's dining scene explodes.

2026

Farmington celebrates its 125th anniversary! Lagoon debuts the Nutcracker ride. North Cottonwood Commons splash pad opens Memorial Day.

2026

Ivy Acres Park (10-acre splash pad park) opens. Karie Anne's gelati and Thirst Drinks soda shop debut.

2027

Farmington Crossings breaks ground — Academy Sports + Outdoors and Burlington coming to the city.

Be Part of Farmington's Next Chapter

125 years of history, and the best is yet to come. Whether you're a lifelong resident or thinking about making Farmington home — we'd love to help.

Farmington AI