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Richfield is one of Stanly County's oldest incorporated towns, located in the north-central part of the county between Albemarle and the Uwharrie Mountains. Before European settlement, the area was part of the Catawba Nation's territory, later used as a hunting and trade corridor by Native peoples moving between the Yadkin and Pee Dee Rivers. By the early 1800s, pioneers from Virginia and Pennsylvania—largely of Scots-Irish and German descent—had begun settling the fertile rolling land that now defines Richfield. The town's name, chosen for its exceptionally productive farmland, reflects this agricultural heritage.

Richfield's early development was tied to farming and the arrival of the railroad. When the Yadkin Railroad line was built in the late 19th century, connecting Salisbury to Norwood, a station was established at Richfield. This access transformed the town into a small but important hub for local trade. Farmers could ship their cotton, grain, and livestock more efficiently, and merchants began to establish general stores and warehouses around the depot. In 1893, Richfield was officially incorporated, and by the early 1900s, it was home to schools, churches, and several thriving local businesses.

Through the first half of the 20th century, Richfield prospered as a classic North Carolina farming and railroad town. Cotton ginning, timber, and produce markets drove its economy, while the rural setting fostered a strong sense of community. Church congregations such as Richfield United Methodist and St. Stephen's Lutheran became social anchors, alongside civic groups and local schools. The Great Depression slowed growth, but the community remained stable through mutual support and self-reliance.

Transportation improvements later reshaped Richfield's role in the region. The completion of U.S. Highway 52 brought faster travel and commerce, connecting the town to Salisbury, Albemarle, and the broader Piedmont. The advent of electricity, modern water systems, and paved roads in the mid-20th century modernized the town without eroding its rural identity. By the 1970s, Richfield began to evolve into a residential and commuter community as nearby Albemarle and Salisbury expanded.

Today, Richfield maintains the charm of its agricultural and railroad past while embracing modern development. It is a peaceful community with a balanced mix of farmland, residential neighborhoods, and small businesses. The town serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation—just minutes from Morrow Mountain State Park and the Uwharrie National Forest. Residents enjoy easy access to larger job centers while still living in a town where neighbors greet each other by name and community traditions endure. Richfield's blend of pastoral beauty, history, and location make it one of Stanly County's most inviting small towns.