Town of Bloom

Bloom Township History Update 

Bloom Township History
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Bloom Township

Bloom Township: Early History

The township of Bloom lies in the northwestern part of Richland County, nestled among beautiful hills and valleys. Bloom Township was officially organized in 1856, with its first meeting held at the residence of Isaac Pizer in April of that year. At this meeting, the following officers were elected: Josephus Downs, Chairman; Isaac Pizer and James E. Kidd, Board of Supervisors; William Pizer, Clerk; John H. Crandall, Assessor; Aaron Sutton, Treasurer; and Josephus Downs and L. M. Stewart, Justices of the Peace.
The first settler in the township was Isaac McMahan, who, in 1853, established a home and entered 120 acres of land in Section 23 of the Township of Bloom. By 1856–1857, the community began to grow as William and David Barrett opened the first stores. Soon after, Reuben Shelby established a wagon shop, William McMillan opened a blacksmith shop, and W. H. Rist began making shoes for the settlers in the village. Around the same time, James Sellers constructed a saw and grist mill, providing essential services to the developing township.
Through the efforts and enterprise of these early pioneers, Bloom Township took its first steps toward becoming a thriving and self-sufficient community.
Town of bloom post card
Street Scene 
Bloom city school

Bloom City School located near the Bloom City Cemetery

Bloom city store

Peter James Shaffer General Store

Utv on road

ATV/UTV INFORMATION

Recreational use on Town of Bloom Roads is Prohibited at this time. For use of County and State Roads that run in the Town of Bloom please check with Richland County regarding ordinances.
DNR ATV/UTV Regulations DOT ATV/UTV Information

🌾 Bloom Township Overview

Richland County, Wisconsin

📅 As of January 1, 2025

 
  • Estimated Total Population: 538
  • Voting-Age Residents: Approximately 396
  • Total Area: 36.1 square miles
 

🗺️ Communities in Bloom Township

  • Bloom City (Unincorporated)
  • West Lima (Unincorporated)
  • Ash Ridge (Partially within township)
 

💰 Economic Profile

  • Median Household Income: $57,083
 

🏠 Housing Overview

  • Median Home Value (Owner-Occupied): $171,900
  • Median Monthly Rent: $855
 

🧾 Key Takeaways

  • Small, rural township with strong local identity
  • Affordable housing and modest income levels
  • Includes three unincorporated communities
  • Nearly 74% of the population is of voting age