Farnham, Virginia facts for kids

Farnham is a small community located in Richmond County, in the U.S. state of Virginia. It is not a city or town with its own government, but rather a group of homes and businesses that share a name and history.

A Look at Farnham's Past

North Farnham Church, located on North Farnham Church Road, was involved in a skirmish during the War of 1812.

Farnham gets its name from a town called Farnham in Surrey, England.

North Farnham Church: A Historic Landmark

The North Farnham Church was built a long time ago, in 1737. It has been part of important historical events since then. During the War of 1812, which was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain, bullet holes were left in the church walls. This happened during a fight between the Virginia militia (local soldiers) and the British fleet, led by Admiral George Cockburn. This event is known as the Skirmish at Farnham Church.

Later, during the American Civil War, the church was used by Union soldiers as a stable for horses. The church has been repaired and restored several times over the years, including in 1872 and again in 1924.

Scotts Corner: A Local Spot

Farnham also includes a small area called Scotts Corner. This spot is near where two roads, Virginia State Route 602 and Virginia State Route 612, meet. Scotts Corner was named after Henry B. Scott, who owned land there and was important in local matters in the mid-1800s. It might also have been named for the Bruce family, who were Scottish immigrants and landowners in Farnham in the mid-1600s.

Linden Farm: An Old Homestead

Another historic place in Farnham is Linden Farm, also known as Dew House. This farm was built in the early 1700s and sits on a large area of 282 acres. It has been recognized as an important historical site and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Famous People from Farnham

Farnham has been home to several notable people throughout history:

• Jim Coates: A professional baseball player who pitched in Major League Baseball.
• Cyrus Griffin: The last President of the Continental Congress in 1788. This was an important role before the United States had a president under its current Constitution.
• Samuel Hammond: A soldier and officer during the American Revolutionary War. He also served as a Territorial Governor and was a statesman.
• Joseph Hanks (1725–1793): He was the great-grandfather of Abraham Lincoln, who later became the 16th President of the United States.