The Town of Richmond, originally a part of Charlestown, was incorporated August 18, 1747. It was probably named in honor of Edward Richmond, the Attorney General of the colony from 1671 to 1680, who took an active part in the original settlement of the area. A large portion of the town was included in the Shannock Purchase, a tract of vacant land sold by the Commissioners of the General Assembly to a company of purchasers in 1709.
Westerly, Rhode Island Watch Hill, Rhode Island Misquamicut, Rhode Island Hopkinton, Rhode Island Richmond, Rhode Island Pawcatuck, Connecticut Like many other communities in Washington County, 17th Century Richmond was home for many early settlers. After purchasing land from the Indians, these wealthy Narragansett planters, who were educated, intelligent land gentry, settled in South County and brought an accumulated wealth to the area making it the wealthiest area in Rhode Island for many years.
The end of the plantation era also signaled the beginning of the early water-powered industry. The water power of Richmond's streams furnished the motive power for its sawmills and the textile industry.
Richmond is still a rural area. In fact, a large portion of the town (about 60 percent) is undeveloped woodland. It is still dotted with villages like Shannock, Kenyon, Hope Valley, and Hillsdale; however, many of the mills that once activated these villages are now closed. One major exception is the Old Grist Mill in Usquepaugh.
Primarily a farming area, Richmond is known for its untainted rural beauty. Hiking, fishing and canoeing the Wood River are all popular activities. But it is the golf courses in Richmond that are increasingly gaining recognition throughout New England. Richmond Country Club and Foxwoods Golf & Country Club at Boulder Hills, offer pristine, picturesque courses with excellent dining and banquet facilities.
Richmond hosts the annual Washington County Fair in mid-August at the fairgrounds on Route 112. This is the state's largest fair, complete with crafts, food, an amusement park, and performances by country music artists.
While the town prides itself on its rural charm, a business district on Route 138 has virtually everything one needs for modern, comfortable living. From financial institutions to grocery stores and retailers, residents have it all within reach. The Arcadia YMCA is also located conveniently on Route 138.
