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New Richmond, WI

Frequently asked questions

New Richmond, WI

New Richmond is a city in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, United States. Its population was 10,079 as of the 2020 census.

New Richmond is located at 45°07′11″N 92°32′21″W (45.119856, −92.539142). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.35 square miles (24.22 km²), of which, 9.18 square miles (23.78 km²) is land and 0.17 square miles (0.44 km²) is water. A major source of hydrological water is from the Willow River, which is dammed near the center of town.

New Richmond was founded in 1857. The first permanent settlement was established by Hiram Foster, who had led a group of settlers from Vermont into the area in search of virgin Wisconsin timber for harvesting. Foster built and operated a sawmill on the banks of the Willow River, which gradually drew more settlers from New England into the area. For the first few years, the settlement was called Foster's Crossing and was later renamed after Richmond Day, the land surveyor who plotted the town. Because another town in Wisconsin had already taken the name Richmond, it was decided to call the town New Richmond. In 1871, New Richmond was made a station on the southwestern branch of Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad's 'Omaha X' network, initially working northwards from Hudson to New Richmond and providing a direct connection to St. Paul. Construction on the line continued northeast of New Richmond, reaching Spooner, Wisconsin in 1879. In addition to a steady stream of newcomers from New England, New Richmond saw an influx of Irish immigrants throughout the 1870s and early 1880s, later followed by large numbers of Germans, Norwegians, and a few Swedes throughout the 1880s and 1890s. In 1885, the Wisconsin Central Railroad built a line into the north side of town westward from Chippewa Falls, from where it later continued towards Stillwater and onto St. Paul.

On the early evening of June 12, 1899, a deadly tornado tore through St. Croix, Polk, and Barron counties along a 46-mile path. While most of the F5-strength storm's path was confined to rural areas, New Richmond suffered a direct hit, with half the town's residences leveled as well as the entire business district. In all, the tornado killed 117 people, 111 in New Richmond alone, injured more than 125, left over 1,500 people homeless, and caused an estimated $18 million in damage. Due to state and federal aid and a large amount of donations, most of the homes and all but two of the businesses destroyed in the storm were able to be rebuilt by the following winter. Today, the tornado ranks as the deadliest ever recorded in Wisconsin and the ninth deadliest tornado in American history. Most of Main Street (Knowles Avenue) was rebuilt within five months.

Health and wellness are paramount in New Richmond, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Westfields Hospital & Clinic is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the New Richmond Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Snap Fitness, The Press Room, and The Centre. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around New Richmond, such as the Doar Prairie Trail and Apple River Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top Sites in New Richmond, WI are Willow River State Park, Crystal Cave, and Interstate State Park.

Population: 10,592 (2022). ZIP Code: 54017. Area codes: 715, 534. Elevation: 981 ft (299 m). Area: 11.04 sq mi (28.60 km²).

FAQs

Why is New Richmond, WI called New Richmond?

Foster built and operated a sawmill on the banks of the Willow River, which gradually drew more settlers from New England into the area. For the first few years, the settlement was called Foster's Crossing and was later renamed after Richmond Day, the land surveyor who plotted the town. Because another town in Wisconsin had already taken the name Richmond, it was decided to call the town New Richmond. 

What are the demographics of New Richmond, WI?

New Richmond, WI is home to a population of 10.2k people, of which 99.7% are citizens. As of 2022, 0.561% of New Richmond, WI residents were born outside of the country (57 people). In 2022, there were 17.4 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (9.3k people) in New Richmond, WI than any other race or ethnicity. There were 534 Two+ (Non-Hispanic) and 189 Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Is New Richmond, WI a good place to live?

Living in New Richmond offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In New Richmond, there are a lot of bars. Many families and young professionals live in New Richmond and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in New Richmond are above average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of New Richmond

Westfields Hospital & Clinic

New Richmond Parks and Recreation Department 

Snap Fitness

The Press Room 

The Centre

Doar Prairie Trail 

Apple River Park

Willow River State Park

Crystal Cave 

Interstate State Park

Data USA

Niche

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