Granted to soldiers returning from the war in Canada, it was named "Sylvester-Canada" in honor of Captain Joseph Sylvester of Scituate, Massachusetts, who was killed in 1690 during an attempt to capture the city of Quebec.

He named it after Charles Lennox, 3rd Duke of Richmond, a staunch advocate of colonial independence.

[1] Little Monadnock Mountain, elevation 1,883 feet (574 m) above sea level, is within a mile of the eastern boundary, in the town of Fitzwilliam.

The highest point in Richmond is one mile northwest of Little Monadnock, on an unnamed hill whose elevation is 1,624 feet (495 m) above sea level.

Since 1988, Richmond has been the home of Saint Benedict Center, a traditionalist Catholic community with monastery, convent, chapel, and school.

[8] That same document further states that priests are forbidden to say Mass at any church or chapel owned by the St. Benedict Center or the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.