FARMINGTON—The county seat of Davis County has both a similar, and unique history to those of its neighbors. So, what things does Farmington share with the other cities in Davis county, and what makes it unique? 

Like Bountiful, its neighbor to the south, Farmington was also settled by a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in 1847, shortly after vanguard companies made their way to the Salt Lake Valley. In this case, it was Hector Caleb Haight and his family who built a farm, and eventually, an inn in the area, which still stands today.

As with other settlements, other families and individuals began trickling in, each contributing more to the overall population, as well as the burgeoning agricultural enterprise in the area. So successful was this region, that the territorial government in 1852, thought it merited special consideration.

In that year, the territorial government picked what was then called North Cottonwood to be the county seat of Davis County, and gave it the official name of Farmington, due to the abundance of farms in the area. Over the years, new structures would be built, and city boundaries would expand, filling the space allotted between Centerville and Kaysville.

Perhaps one of the most significant events that occurred in Farmington during these early years was the organization of the Primary Association of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Organized by Aurelia Spencer Rogers, with Louie B. Felt as the first Primary president, the organization still serves as a Sunday school for children ages 3-11.

The chapel where the Primary Association was organized still stands today, as one of many historic buildings in the area. Perhaps the most famous of which, however, are those that were built, and maintained by Lagoon. 

While there have been many disasters that have set Lagoon back, the property on which it stands has been there since the 1880s, bringing classic Coney Island style amusement to the people of Utah for over 100 years. 

As Farmington has moved forward throughout the 21st century, the city itself has done an immaculate job of blending the old with the new: within just a few minutes drive, visitors can see the historic district, with gorgeous old houses, and old-growth trees, and, a ultra modern shopping center at Station Park.

It’s these sort of priorities that allow Farmington to maintain their grip on the past, while facing front into the future.