Template:Wp-Russell, New York-History

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The town land was purchased by Russell Atwater in 1798. The town was first settled in 1805.

Russell Attwater was elected the first town supervisor, when the town was formed in 1807 from Hopkinton from previously named townships: Dewitt, Ballybean and Sarahsburg. In 1813 and 1816, part of Russell was removed to form the Town of Fowler. More of Russell was taken to form, in whole or part, the Towns of Rossie (1813), Pierrepont (1818), and Fine (1849).

During the War of 1812, an arsenal was located in the town near Russell village. Sold in 1865, it served as a school for many years. The Arsenal was destroyed by fire in 1945.

The Russell Town Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.