Richfield, Wood County, Wisconsin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Town of Richfield, Wisconsin
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Town hall
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Location of the Town of Richfield, Wood County, Wisconsin
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Wisconsin |
| County | Wood |
| Area | |
| • Total | 34.8 sq mi (90.2 km2) |
| • Land | 34.8 sq mi (90.1 km2) |
| • Water | 0.0 sq mi (0.1 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,158 ft (353 m) |
| Population
(2000)
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| • Total | 1,523 |
| • Density | 43.8/sq mi (16.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 715 & 534 |
| FIPS code | 55-67500 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1584023 |
| PLSS township | T24N R3E |
| Website | http://www.townshipofrichfield.com |
The Town of Richfield is a small community in Wood County, Wisconsin, United States. In the year 2000, about 1,523 people lived there. The small area known as Bethel is also part of the town.
Contents
Geography and Natural Features
Richfield covers about 34.8 square miles (90.2 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with only a tiny bit (0.04 square miles or 0.1 square kilometers) being water.
The Yellow River flows through Richfield. It eventually joins the Wisconsin River at Castle Rock Lake. A smaller stream, Puff Creek, also flows into the Yellow River here. Most of the land in Richfield is quite flat, except for some slightly higher areas in the southeast, near Bethel.
History of Richfield
Early Days and Land Surveys
Before European settlers arrived, the Richfield area was near the lands of the Ojibwe, Ho-Chunk, and Menominee Native American tribes.
In the summer of 1851, the U.S. government sent teams to survey (measure and map) the land that would become Richfield. They marked all the section corners in the area. This involved walking through forests and swamps with special tools like chains and compasses.
First Roads and Settlements
An old map from 1858 shows one of the first roads in Wood County. It followed the path of what is now U.S. 10 into Richfield. From there, it went southeast towards Grand Rapids. Another road branched off to mills on the Yellow River, including Pitt's Mill, which later became Pittsville.
The Town of Richfield was officially created in 1881.
Growth and Development
By 1893, more settlers were moving into Richfield. Roads like the ones that would become County A and N were starting to form. Settlers built homes along these roads. Schools were also built near what would become Bethel and other areas. Much of the land was still owned by large lumber companies at this time.
Around 1902, most of the main roads we see today were in place, though they were just dusty dirt paths. Many farmers lived in the northwest and southeast parts of the town. Bethel had a post office and a school called Woodland Academy. Richfield's town hall was built, and a creamery (where dairy products are made) was across the road. Two railroads, the Wisconsin Central and the Chicago & Northwestern, crossed the northeast corner of Richfield.
By 1909, more details about Bethel Academy were on maps. A blacksmith shop was also noted nearby. New schools appeared in other parts of the town. The 1920 map showed even more farms and roads, with smaller land plots around Bethel. By 1956, the modern road system was complete. Bethel Academy had become the "Bethel Conv. Home."
Population and People
In 2000, Richfield had 1,523 people living in 473 households. A household is a group of people living together. Most of these households (383) were families. The population density was about 43.8 people per square mile (16.9 per square kilometer).
Most people in Richfield (98.03%) were White. A small number were Asian (1.64%), African American (0.13%), or Native American (0.13%).
Many households (41.2%) had children under 18 living with them. Most families (71.7%) were married couples living together. The average household had about 2.98 people, and the average family had 3.26 people.
The population included people of all ages:
- 27.8% were under 18 years old.
- 6.5% were between 18 and 24.
- 29.1% were between 25 and 44.
- 21.2% were between 45 and 64.
- 15.4% were 65 years or older.
The average age in Richfield was 36 years.
In 2000, the average income for a household in Richfield was $47,188 per year. For families, the average income was $51,765. About 8.5% of the population lived below the poverty line. This included 11.1% of children under 18 and 4.6% of people aged 65 or older.
Notable People from Richfield
- Frank J. Shortner was a businessman and politician from Wisconsin. He was born in the Town of Richfield.
