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. Today, conveniently located on Route 12 in McHenry County, just 11 miles South of Lake Geneva, Richmond is a unique village - not a traditional suburb or a rural hamlet. Our core downtown area still boasts of over 50 homes that our resident historian calls, "of important historic character representing all architectural styles in their original content". Most of Richmond's presettlement natural resources still exist and the village recognizes the importance of protecting these critical resources in perpetuity for all to enjoy. Richmond is a full service municipality with state-of-the-art services and award winning personnel providing services for all our residents.
Learn more about this city.City of Richmond, IL official siteCity of Richmond, IL Chamber of Commerce
City of Richmond, IL newspaperCounty of Richmond, IL official site
State of Illinois official site