History :

Richland Iowa, Keokuk County's oldest town, was established in October, 1838 by it's earliest settlers. Before the organization of Keokuk County, this portion of territory was actually a part of Washington County.

Richland's significant pioneering achievements would include the county's first court of law, the first post office and one of the first voting precincts.

One humorous note of history told is that the settlers suggested calling the town "Frog Town", following a torrential downpour and days of standing water, but chose Richland after the sun came out and exposed the richness of the dried soil. Prior C. Woodward is credited with laying out the town as it is mapped today on June 16, 1841.