(44) Richfield, Utah. They called it “The Hole in the Ground on Main Street.” Tartaria Mudflood tour

In the early part of January 1864, a party of ten men under the leadership of Albert Lewis came from Sanpete County, Utah and arrived in what is now Richfield. The Mormon settlers found fertile soil, good water and wood in the nearby hills. They decided that it was a desirable site for a settlement. These pioneers made a dwelling place for all ten men, which they called 'The Hole in the Ground.' They carefully covered this hole with brush willows and other materials and made a crude chimney of rocks. This dugout was located on today's Main Street. These men spent the remainder of the winter in this dwelling, planning and preparing for the time when they could bring their families.
The early Mormon settlements were abandoned in 1867 due to the conflict known as the Black Hawk War. But, when resettled in 1871, Richfield grew to become a regional center. The coming of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in 1891 opened the valley for expanded agricultural commerce and mining.
Population:
1870 4 👈
1880 1,197
1890 1,531
1900 1,908
1910 2,602
1920 3,303
1930 3,067
1940 3,584
1950 4,212
1960 4,412
1970 4,471
1980 5,482
1990 5,593
2000 6,847
2010 7,551
2019 7,888