For an apparently thriving town that continues to this day, there is very little information - particularly historical information - currently available pertaining to the creation and progress from inception until the present about the town of Richlands in Onslow County, North Carolina.

In looking at maps of North Carolina that were produced prior to 1800, Richland Chapel is clearly shown in northwest Onslow County. Soon after 1800, the maps indicate that there was a name change - to Richlands - but the location remained the same.

Research of US Post Office Department records reveal that Richland Chapel was granted a Post Office on May 28, 1796, and the first Postmaster was Mr. Daniel Miller. On January 1, 1806, Richland Chapel was officially changed to Richlands, with a new Postmaster named Mr. Arthur B. Gregory. This PO has been in continuous operation since inception, and was still open in 1971 when the Post Office records end. Most likely, the town still has a Post Office.

From this scant information, one can conclude that at least a small village or hamlet grew up around a church in the 1790s, perhaps much earlier. This town grew, probably had the typical growth problems, Civil War issues, etc. But, until more info becomes available, all of this will simply have to come from your imagination. The following is the ONLY tidbit currently found pertaining to the current state of affairs in Richlands:

"Richlands emerged as an agricultural center and became the site of the first graded school, the first public high school and the first library in the county. Today, Richlands is the home of the Onslow County Museum which features changing exhibits reflecting the history of the area."

If anyone has additional information they're willing to share online, please contact me at jd.lewis@carolana.com. All help is greatly appreciated.