Established in 1726, Southington has earned its official title of “the city of progress” through a long and successful history of manufacturing. The city’s dedication to progress and continual improvement is also evident in its public school system. Facilities include eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The town sponsors continuing education for adults, and a number of well-respected colleges and universities are located in nearby communities.

Recreational and community events are important aspects of life in Southington. Nature lovers will delight in rock climbing at Ragged Mountain, and various activities available at Memorial Park, Panthorn Park, Recreation Park and West Peak State Park. Excellent town facilities keep residents of all ages fit and happy. Exercise classes, organized youth leagues, playgrounds and tennis courts are just a few of the outdoor possibilities.

The winter months bring avid skiers to the slopes of Mt. Southington. Public beaches and swimming pools provide warm weather fun. The annual Apple Harvest Festival draws the entire community together for a celebration of music, food, exhibits, and an exciting carnival. Other community events include an arts and crafts show, and the theatrical and musical performances of the local players and the Southington Festival Choir.

Over the past year, downtown Southington has undergone a major revitalization project called the Southington Renaissance. The cooperative community effort of greater Southington's private and public sectors was forged with a common goal of working to improve the economic vitality of greater Southington through development, redevelopment, marketing and beautification initiatives within the central business districts of Plantsville and Southington. Items of beautification included brick pavers, renovation of the Liberty Street parking lot, landscaping, benches, trees, and shrubbery.

Southington was first settled in 1698. Samuel Woodruff, son of one of the founders of the town of Farmington, led a group of hunters to the south. He became the area's first tax collector. Originally called the village of Panthorn, the town began to develop in the first decade of the 1700s. In 1724 , the villagers formed the Farmington Southwest Society. In 1779, the Town was incorporated as Southington.

As with many towns in Connecticut, Southington has a proud and inventive manufacturing heritage. Micah Rugg of Marion developed the first carriage bolt machine, and his partner, Martin Barns, built the first cutting machine for the bolts. Other innovations attributed to Southington citizens include the first cement that could harden under water, advances in tin processing, and the first breakneck rat trap.

The most fascinating historical site in Southington is the Bradley Barnes Museum at 85 Main Street. Formerly known as the "Bradley Homestead", the house was built in 1836 by Amon Bradley when he married Sylvia Barnes. The family remodeled the house in 1909. The house remained in the family until 1973, when Bradley Barnes, Amon's grandson, donated the house and its contents to the Town of Southington.

It was Sylvia Bradley who was the founder and main benefactor for Bradley Memorial Hospital. The Sylvia Bradley Memorial, next to the Hospital, was formerly the town library. Today, it is the Southington Historical Center, home to the Southington Historical Society. Other historical sites in Southington include the Rochambeau Monument on Marion Avenue, marking the site of Count Rochambeau's encampment in 1781 during the Revolutionary War, and the South End and West Street one-room schoolhouses.

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