Richlands

Native Americans lived here in the Clinch River valley for more than 10,000 years. Settlers of European descent arrived in the second half of the 18th century and established a militia outpost by 1782. The area soon became known as Richlands because of its fertile soil. In 1888, the Clinch Valley Coal and Iron Company began developing the town of Richlands, which was incorporated on 26 Jan. 1892. The Norfolk and Western Railroad arrived in 1889. In the 20th century, the town became a commercial center for the many mining operations in the region. The Richlands Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.