Farmington in Franklin County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
University of Maine at Farmington
| | Walk Around Farmington | |
Photographed by Conrad Ward, October 5, 2025
1. University of Maine at Farmington Marker
Established in 1864 as Maine's first public institution of higher education, the "Western State Normal School", as it was originally called, was dedicated to the professional training of teachers.
Today, Farmington may be best known as the home of the University of Maine at Farmington, which has been acknowledged as one of the finest public liberal arts colleges in the country. Built in 1898, Merrill Hall, the University's main administration building, is one of the oldest public buildings on a Maine campus, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980.
Before schools could be established in Farmington, settlers developed "fireside" schools where young people could gather for lessons, once daily chores were completed. At the second Town Meeting, in 1795, voters approved the sum of sixty pounds to support schooling, and by 1821, the Town had established 21 school districts.
In 1807, citizens secured a charter for a college preparatory school, the Farmington Academy. During the mid to late 1800's, Farmington featured a number of excellent private educational institutions
this page online
(Left image)
Normal School circa 1865 - Courtesy of Farmington Historical Society
(upper right images)
Nordica Auditorium - Courtesy of UMF
(lower center image)
Courtesy of Farmington Historical Society
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.
Location. 44° 40.124′ N, 70° 8.971′ W. Marker is in Farmington, Maine, in Franklin County. It is on Main Street (U.S. 4) near South Street, on the right when traveling north. Located in front of Merrill Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 224 Main Street, Farmington ME 04938, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Western Maine Lakes and Mountains Region. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Votes For Women (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Rock's Rock
Photographed by Conrad Ward, October 5, 2025
2. University of Maine at Farmington Marker
Also see . . .
1. University of Maine at Farmington - Official Website. (Submitted on October 6, 2025.)
2. University of Maine at Farmington (Wikipedia). (Submitted on October 6, 2025.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 86 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 6, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
