Travel Back in Time to New Richmond

New Richmond, “The City Beautiful” was founded in 1857 by Hiram Foster. Of particular note, the city was decimated by a F5 tornado on June 12, 1899. This tornado directly hit the town, leveling much of the business district and killing 117 persons in New Richmond and vicinity. This is, to this day, Wisconsin’s deadliest tornado. These images are part of the terrific Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, St. Croix, and Rusk Counties: Local History Collection from the Friday Memorial Library.

Market Day of the New Richmond Business Men’s Association, undated.
Market Day of the New Richmond Business Men’s Association, undated.
"The Old and the New." New Richmond resident Dr. Wade in his new automobile alongside unidentified man with yoked cattle, ca. 1908.
“The Old and the New.” New Richmond resident Dr. Wade in his new automobile alongside unidentified man with yoked cattle, ca. 1908.
By 1909, New Richmond had really recovered from the catastrophic tornado from 20 years earlier. Aerial view of New Richmond, facing southwest.
By 1909, New Richmond had really recovered from the catastrophic tornado from 20 years earlier. Aerial view of New Richmond, facing southwest.
View of downtown New Richmond at the intersection of Third Street and Main Street, facing north, ca. 1900-1909.
View of downtown New Richmond at the intersection of Third Street and Main Street, facing north, ca. 1900-1909.
View of Main Street in New Richmond, looking north, undated.
View of Main Street in New Richmond, looking north, undated.
Busy Main Street in New Richmond, ca. 1920 - ca. 1929.
Busy Main Street in New Richmond, ca. 1920 – ca. 1929.
Depicts Main Street of New Richmond, including downtown businesses and automobiles. May 1957.
Depicts Main Street of New Richmond, including downtown businesses and automobiles. May 1957.
Young man stands amidst uprooted trees, debris and other rubble left in the wake of the June 12, 1899 tornado in New Richmond, Wisconsin.
Young man stands amidst uprooted trees, debris and other rubble left in the wake of the June 12, 1899 tornado in New Richmond, Wisconsin.
New Richmond tornado aftermath, 1899.
New Richmond tornado aftermath, 1899.