Originally founded as a Native American trading post, Bradford grew into the county seat of Chickasaw County, before losing its courthouse, post office, and most of its residents. Bradford remains the site of a history museum and the Little Brown Church, the inspiration for the 1857 song, "The Church in the Wildwood".
History
Bradford in Chickasaw County, Iowa, in 1887
A Native American trading post was established by the government in the vicinity of Bradford in 1840; this consisted of three log buildings. The natives here were of the Chickasaw tribe and their chief was named Bradford. The post was abandoned in 1850.[2]
The first school in Chickasaw County was in the village of Bradford. This log building was built in 1852. Bradford was later home to the Bradford Academy. The academy, a private high school intended to prepare students for university, was founded by Reverend J.K. Nutting in 1865. Later, the Bradford Academy was housed in a fine brick building. The academy was open for 12 years, and had as many as 125 students at its peak.[2]
Bradford's population was estimated at 100 in 1887.[6]
After the removal of the Chickasaw County seat to New Hampton, Bradford's importance was diminished. Bradford was bypassed by the railroad in favor of Nashua. These events led to a decline in the community, and some residents moved to Nashua or New Hampton.[7] The Bradford post office closed on May 31, 1899.[4]
Bradford is still home to the Little Brown Church and the Bradford Pioneer Village museum.
