Farmington history

Foundation and First Settlers

The history of Farmington dates back to 1824. The settlement is considered to have been founded by Arthur Power, a Quaker from New York State, who purchased land here and built the first log cabin. The new location was named in honour of Power's hometown — Farmington, New York, symbolizing a continuity of traditions.

Development Factors

Several key factors contributed to the transformation of the small settlement into a thriving city:

• Geographical Location: Proximity to the Rouge River provided settlers with essential water energy. By 1826, the first sawmill was built here, followed shortly by a gristmill.
• Transport Accessibility: The settlement was situated along a vital route connecting Detroit with western territories (now Grand River Avenue). This stimulated trade and an influx of new residents.

Early Culture and Economy

The economy of early Farmington was based on agriculture, flour milling, and crafts. The cultural identity of the city was strongly shaped by the Quakers, who brought with them strict moral principles and a commitment to education.

The city played a special role in the history of the struggle for human rights: thanks to the convictions of its founders, Farmington became an active centre of abolitionism and an important station on the "Underground Railroad," helping fugitive slaves escape to Canada.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of Farmington is a journey from a small Quaker settlement to a developed suburb of Detroit. Below are the key events that shaped the city's appearance.

• 1824 — Arthur Power purchases land and builds the first log cabin, which is considered the settlement's founding date.
• 1826 — The first sawmill is built on the Rouge River, sparking construction and economic development.
• 1827 — Farmington Township is officially organized, comprising the current territories of the cities of Farmington and Farmington Hills.
• 1867 — Farmington receives village status, allowing for the creation of local government bodies.
• 1872 — A devastating fire destroys many wooden structures in the centre, after which brick building construction begins.
• 1876 — The Warner Mansion is erected, becoming the residence of Fred Warner, a future three-time Governor of Michigan.
• 1899 — The electric tram (Interurban) service opens, connecting Farmington with Detroit and other suburbs.
• 1926 — Residents vote for a new charter, and Farmington officially receives city status.
• 1940 — The Farmington Civic Theater opens, becoming an architectural and cultural landmark of the city centre.
• 1973 — Surrounding township territories are transformed into the separate city of Farmington Hills, finally defining Farmington's boundaries.
• 2009 — A large-scale reconstruction of the historic centre (Downtown) is completed, including updates to Shain Park and the creation of a pavilion in Riley Park.

Key Stages of Development

Farmington's evolution from an agricultural community to a modern Detroit suburb passed through several critical stages. These events defined the city's current economic and architectural appearance.

• Architectural Transformation (1872–1880s): After the massive fire of 1872 destroyed the wooden centre, the city decided to construct buildings from brick.
  Significance: This formed the recognizable historic look of Grand River Avenue, which remains to this day and attracts tourists with its Victorian aesthetic.
• Integration with the Metropolis (1899): The launch of the electric tram line (DUR) connecting Farmington to Detroit.
  Significance: The city ceased to be an isolated settlement. This triggered the first influx of residents working in Detroit and the city's transformation into a "commuter" suburb.
• Gaining Administrative Independence (1926): Transition from village status to city status.
  Significance: The emergence of a full-fledged city government allowed for independent planning of infrastructure, water supply, and zoning during the rapid growth of the 1920s.
• Post-War Suburbanization (1950s): Mass highway construction and the spread of automobiles.
  Significance: A final move away from the agrarian past. Farm lands were replaced by residential neighbourhoods (subdivisions), which sharply increased the population and tax base.
• Administrative Separation (1973): Final separation from the surrounding township, which became the separate city of Farmington Hills.
  Significance: This event fixed Farmington's boundaries as a compact enclave. The city retained a "small-town feel" and its historic centre, while neighbouring Farmington Hills developed as a major business and residential district.
• Downtown Revitalization (2000s – Present): Implementation of the "Streetscape" programme and reconstruction of public spaces (Riley Park, Sundquist Pavilion).
  Significance: Economic reorientation of the city centre towards pedestrian traffic, hosting festivals, and supporting small businesses, which allowed it to avoid the decline characteristic of many older suburbs.

Urban Development and Architectural Eras

The architectural appearance of Farmington reflects its evolution from a Quaker settlement to a thriving suburb. Unlike many neighbouring cities where modern development prevails, Farmington has managed to preserve a cohesive historic centre, formed primarily in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Main Styles and Historical Periods

The city's development correlates clearly with the stages of its economic growth, where each period corresponds to its own dominant style:

• Greek Revival — Mid-19th Century:

  A style popular during the city's early formation. It is characterized by symmetry, pediments, and columns resembling ancient temples. This style was often used for the first substantial homes of wealthy settlers seeking to emphasize the democratic ideals of the young republic.

• Victorian Style and Italianate — Late 19th Century:

  The defining style for the historic centre (Downtown). After the 1872 fire, wooden structures were replaced by brick buildings in this very style. It is characterized by decorative cornices with brackets, tall narrow windows with arched tops, and flat or low-pitched roofs. These buildings form the recognizable facade of Grand River Avenue.

• Art Deco and Art Moderne (Streamline Moderne) — 1930s–1940s:

  The appearance of this style is linked to the development of the entertainment industry and car culture before and during World War II. The style is distinguished by aerodynamic shapes, smooth walls, and the use of neon and glass, symbolizing speed and progress.

• Colonial Revival — First Half of the 20th Century:

  The dominant style in the residential development of the city's older districts. It reflects nostalgia for American origins: brick or wooden facades, symmetrical multi-pane windows, and accented entrance groups.

Landmark Buildings that Shaped the City

Several key objects serve as architectural landmarks of Farmington:

• Governor Warner Mansion: Built in 1867, this house is a magnificent example of Victorian architecture with Italianate elements. The building is known for its wide veranda and preserved historic interiors, serving as a museum and a symbol of the city's political history.
• Farmington Civic Theater: A striking example of the Streamline Moderne style (a late stage of Art Deco). Opened in 1940, it stands out with its famous neon marquee and streamlined facade. This building has become a visual anchor of the city centre and a symbol of its cultural life.
• Historic Downtown District: A complex of commercial buildings along Grand River Avenue and Farmington Road. The two-story brick development from the late 19th century creates an atmosphere of "Classic America," attracting tourists and locals with its authenticity and human-scale environment.

Founders and Historical Leaders

• Arthur Power
  Role: City founder, Quaker.
  In 1824, Power purchased land within the modern city limits and built the first settlement. His Quaker beliefs laid the foundation for the development of the local community as a centre of education and tolerance, and also played a role in the history of the "Underground Railroad."
• Fred M. Warner
  Role: 26th Governor of Michigan (1905–1911).
  A prominent politician and businessman who resided in Farmington. He was the first Michigan governor to be re-elected for three consecutive terms. His magnificent Victorian-style mansion is today the city's main historical attraction and museum.

Figures of Culture and Art

• Pam Dawber
  Role: Actress and model.
  Gained wide fame for her leading female role in the popular sitcom "Mork & Mindy," where her partner was Robin Williams. Dawber grew up in this area and is a graduate of the local North Farmington High School.
• Elizabeth Berkley
  Role: Film and television actress.
  Star of the series "Saved by the Bell" and the film "Showgirls." Berkley spent her childhood and youth in Farmington Hills, actively participating in local dance and theatrical productions before beginning her Hollywood career.
• James Wolk
  Role: Actor.
  Known for his roles in acclaimed series such as "Mad Men" and "Zoo." Wolk was born and raised in this area, starting his creative journey in school theatre clubs.

Innovators and Athletes

• Bill Joy
  Role: Computer scientist, co-founder of Sun Microsystems.
  A legendary figure in the IT world, often called the "Edison of the Internet." He was one of the main developers of BSD UNIX and the Java programming language. The childhood and school years of the future technological visionary were spent in the Farmington area.
• Steve Yzerman
  Role: Legendary ice hockey player, captain of the "Detroit Red Wings."
  Although Yzerman is not a native of the city, he was a long-time resident of the area during his brilliant NHL career. Locals consider him their famous neighbour, whose presence added prestige to the suburb.