Bradford is an unincorporated community in Chickasaw County, Iowa, United States.

A Native American trading post was established by the government in the vicinity of Bradford in 1840; this consisted of three log buildings.

The academy, a private high school intended to prepare students for university, was founded by Reverend J.K. Nutting in 1865.

[6] After the removal of the Chickasaw County seat to New Hampton, Bradford's importance was diminished.

These events led to a decline in the community, and some residents moved to Nashua or New Hampton.