The town came into being in 1890 as a result of farmers and ranchers tired of spending so much time traveling to get supplies. However, the invention of the automobile drastically reduced travel time and the town's reason for existence faded. Richmond started to disappear back into the hills lined with sagebrush about 30 years after it was founded. The town can be found about one mile east of Highway 207, south of Service Creek. Submitted by Darren Bernaerdt from Deserted Lands.

Wheeler County was mostly ranching country 1889 with many ranches close enough together to form a town. Such was the case when a group of ranchers met to discuss forming a population center. All agreed that the first building should be a school. All did not agree as to the name of the town. Two of the principals could not agree on anything. Even the Civil War got into the argument with one calling the other “Jeff Davis” because of his rebellious attitude and predicted if things ever did get ironed out the town would be called Richmond after the capitol of the Confederacy. He was right. The schoolhouse was built along with several stores, a church, a lodge hall and other buildings. And the town began to grow. The introduction of the automobile, however, gave the population the opportunity to drive to neighboring but larger towns to buy their supplies and Richmond began its decline. Today, its buildings are deserted and those that remain present a picturesque ghost town. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.

Richmond
Courtesy Dolores Steele

Little M.E. Church -- on private property
Courtesy Dolores Steele

Richmond
Courtesy Adam Harris

Richmond
Courtesy Adam Harris