1837Military
Minnesotan Franklin Steele reached the area in 1837 and worked as a sutler, selling goods to soldiers.
1852Architecture
Bartholomew built a house on Wood Lake's eastern shore in 1852, and the restored Riley Lucas Bartholomew House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1854Architecture
The Harmony post office, south of the Richland Mill on Lyndale Avenue, opened in 1854.
1858History
On May 11, 1858, Congress approved the Territory of Minnesota as the 32nd state to join the union.
1860History
Settlers from Maine made up 35% of U.S.-born adults 18 or older in 1860 Richfield.
1867Government
Minneapolis absorbed sizeable portions of Richfield through legislative action or annexations in 1867, 1883, 1887 and 1927.
1886Culture
An 1886 partition of Richfield created the village of St.
1889History
Louis Park, and a division in 1889 produced the village of Edina.
1897Architecture
Market gardening
Minneapolis became a favorite trading point for market gardeners in 1897 with the building of the modern, covered Second Street Market just two blocks west of H...
1908History
=== 20th century ===
In 1908, Richfield became a village.
1950Government
On November 7, 1950, residents voted for a city-manager form of government, meaning the city had a mayor, four council members, and a city manager.
1951Government
The first mayor was Clarence Christian, who began serving in 1951, but served as president under the old format dating back to 1948.
1955Economy
The Richfield Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1955 and has been deeply involved in the community's development and redevelopment.
1971Architecture
When the Nature Center opened in 1971, it was one of the nation's first urban nature centers.
1980Sports
== Notable people ==
Steve Christoff – member of the 1980 USA men's hockey team that won the gold medal in the Miracle on Ice
Larry Fitzgerald – football player
Donald F.
1995History
Additionally, total employment in Richfield jumped from 10,090 to nearly 15,000 between 1995 and 2005.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the census of 2000, there were 34,439 people, 15,073 households, and 8,727 families living in the city.
2001Culture
From the first quarter of 2001 to the first quarter of 2003, net job growth equaled 2,444 – the second highest in the metropolitan area.
2003Culture
moved its corporate headquarters to Richfield in 2003, becoming its largest employer.
2007Architecture
In 2007, Cedar Point Commons opened in Richfield at Cedar Avenue and 66th Street, adjacent to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport.
2008History
Smetanka, Mary Jane (February 11, 2008).
2017Infrastructure
2017-2019 brought a major overhaul of 66th street to improve the look of the city and increase recreation opportunities, with new, dedicated bike and walking lanes for pedestrians.
2018Military
Regan Gonzalez was a councilwoman in Ward 3 before being elected in 2018.
2019History
As of 2019, Richfield has a population of about 35,000, who live within seven square miles of neighborhoods, parks, and shops.
2020History
== Demographics ==
=== 2020 census ===
=== 2010 census ===
As of the census of 2010, there were 35,228 people, 14,818 households, and 8,420 families living in the city.
2023Education
=== Top employers ===
According to the city's 2023 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:
== Education ==
Richfield has public schools, priv...
2026History
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials conducted raids in the city in January 2026.