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What's so rich about Richmond? There's a wealth of answers but a poverty of agreement By Nick Robbins
RICHMOND -- Nestled between Logan City and the Utah-Idaho border sits the town of Richmond, Utah. Richmond is known to many locals as home to one of the world-famous Pepperidge Farms factory, for others it may be the annual Black and White Festival. For some, it is simply known for not knowing what it's known for. Confused? It has been the topic of debate in Richmond for quite some time. How did Richmond get its name? Why is Richmond, Richmond? "We were taught a few different things," Richmond resident Jessica Harris said. "I guess it just depended on where and from who you were hearing it." Though it seems every resident could have a different, verifiable source, two stories seem to have stood the test of time. In 1859, Mormon pioneer Agrippa Cooper and his family camped at Bower Springs, just south of present day Richmond. Soon thereafter Mormon Prophet Brigham Young and apostle Charles C. Rich visited the area and instructed Cooper and other settlers to relocate closer together for safety. After relocation, the settlers plotted, divided and began to cultivate the land. To maintain healthy crops, they dug and prepared ditches to irrigate their fields. Water was diverted from Cherry Creek, through the alluvial fan and into the necessary areas. As water passed through the alluvial fan, rich soil deposits were washed into the crops, providing fill rich in minerals. "Richmond is known for its rich soil," City Council Member Leslie Erickson said. Others have a different version of what happened. "I guess you can't mix church and state, I don't know, maybe that's why there are two different stories," Harris said. Some Richmond residents believe their town is the namesake of the apostle who traveled with Brigham Young, Charles C. Rich. Rich was instructed to follow Young to the Bear Lake area and help make the settlements stronger Mormon communities. Rich had been known for purchasing land and naming it after himself. As a prominent fixture in the area, many older residents believe, it was simply a natural course of action to name the new territory after him. Erickson said she wonders if residents simply did not like Rich and adopted a story they would accept. Erickson herself says she believes her city was named for its rich soil. "When I've gone to the cemetery, I didn't see anyone with that last name," Erickson said. "I figure if a place is named after you, you or your family would stick around." Erickson said having two stories actually makes it more interesting. However, she said, as the older generation leaves, the story about Richmond's rich soil seems to be more commonplace with the community. No one may ever know the reason Richmond got its name. Maybe no one wants to know. "That's just the way it goes with local legends," Erickson said.
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