History

Settled by pioneers over 150 years ago, Richmond received it's name when Isaac Reed climbed to the top of the newly erected mill in 1844. He won the climbing contest and with it the right to name the settlement. Reed named it after his childhood hometown of Richmond, Vermont.

Remnants of that era of horse-drawn carriages still remain in the form of hitching rings embedded in the sidewalks on Main and Broadway streets.

Other reminders of that time past include many original buildings housing Richmond's downtown shops, in addition to many restored Victorian homes and several Sears Catalog homes located throughout the town. Fortunately, one of the 100 year old wooden railroad bridges near downtown still stands.

The old mill was rebuilt and still stands at the corner of Mill and Main streets. Today it houses the restaurant Doyle's Pub & Eatery. Mister Reed is buried in the Richmond Cemetery located on the west side of town on Broadway street.