Richmond, AR.

Andrew Hemphill arrived in the area in 1835 and purchased land near Wade's Chapel. In later years he acquired about 2,500 acres in Little River County. 40 acres was set aside for the Hemphill Cemetery, also some of the early settlers were Bouldin Phillips, Tom Bellah, and Dr. Bellah who also owned a large track of land in the Richmond area. Including the town site of Richmond. Few roads went through Little River County The Fort Townson road was cut through the county in 1832 a mile northwest of Richmond.

Richmond got it's name from a Mr. Richmond who became ill and died while in route through the area. He was buried at the present site of Richmond. Some of the early families to settle in Richmond were the Carolans, Taylors, McCrarys, Cooks, Bizzells, Rowlands, Bowmans, Simmons and Davises. In 1854 the first school house was built in Richmond. Mr. Deloney, Dr. Andrew Hunter and Mr. Boyd  were among the early teachers. School terms usually 2 to 3 months and no grades were taught over the 8th until after 1882.

In the 1870's Richmond became the hub of activity for the entire county. It had become the center for travelers and drummers all over  the territory. With a hotel, 2 cotton gins, 2 gristmills, a sawmill, 2 drug stores, 5 law offices, 2 blacksmiths, and 8 other merchant stores.

Richmond's downfall was not wanting the railroad out of Texarkana to come through their area. When the railroad did head north - it went through Ashdown and the rest is history.