History of Russell, Massachusetts, USA

General Henry Knox and his troops passed through here in the winter of 1775-76 with a load of 59 cannons pulled by teams of oxen.
The cannons were captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. They were transported from Lake Champlain to Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts and used by George Washington's army on March 17, 1776 (Evacuation Day) to free Boston from British control during the American Revolutionary War.

General Henry Knox Trail - Historic Marker reads:
"Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775-1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British army to evacuate Boston."

1782 - Russell is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1792 - The town of Russell is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Russell
Russell, Massachusetts
Hampden county. Westfield river waters this town, and affords it good mill privileges. There is a cotton mill in the town and other manufactures. Russell lies 100 miles W. by S. from Boston and 14 W. by N. from Springfield. Incorporated, 1792. Population, 1837, 475.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1845 - RUSSELL. [Pop. 955. Inc. 1792.]
Russell was once a part of Westfield and Montgomery.

This town is watered by Westfield and Little River, and it manufactures some cotton and other articles; but the inhabitants rely chiefly upon their farms.

Distance from Springfield, 14 miles; from Boston, 100.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Russell
This town was incorporated in 1792. It was formerly a part of Westfield, and was called the New addition. The first settlers in this town were two brothers by the name of Barber, and a Mr. Grey. They lived upon the road leading from Westfield to Blandford, by Sackett’s, and up the mountain, then called Glasgow mountain. A Congregational church was organized here in 1800, by Rev. Joseph Badger. The Congregationalists own a small well-finished meeting-house in connection with the Methodists. There is a small cotton mill in this town. Population, 475. Distance, 14 miles from Springfield and 100 from Boston.
Historical Collections Relating to the History... John Warner Barber, Worcester, Warren Lazell, 1848

1854 - Russell
Russell, a post-village in Hampden co., Massachusetts, on the Western railroad, 116 miles W. by S. from Boston. Population of the township, 521.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1870 - Forbidden to Read Bible
The Irish Catholics at Russell, Mass., have forbidden their children to read the Bible in the schools, and demanded that the teachers shall not oblige them to do so. So the Catholic children merely stand up while the others read (some of them refusing to do that), and the question is referred to the committee for decision.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 15, 1870

1890 Russell Massachusetts
Russell is a small farming town abounding in wild and romantic scenery, on the Green Mountain range, in the westerly part of Hampden County, and containing 76 farms, 145 dwelling-houses, and 847 inhabitants. It lies about 113 miles southwest of Boston by the Boston and Albany Railroad, and has Montgomery on the northeast, Westfield on the southeast, Granville, on the south, and Blandford on the west. The area is about 16 square miles, over one half of which is forest, principally chestnut.

The leading rocks are calciferous mica-schist and the Quebec group; and specimens of serpentine, schiller-spar, beryl, galena and copper pyrites, occur. The Westfield River runs rapidly and circuitously through the northeast, and Westfield Little River through the southern section, of the town. Shatterack, Black and Green brooks, all tributaries of the former river, afford valuable motive power. Hazzard's Lake, near the geographical centre, is a beautiful sheet of clear and sparkling water,... Read MORE...

1895 - Russell
Russell, a post-village in Russell township, Hampden co., Mass., on the Westfield River, and on the Boston & Albany Railroad, 18 miles W.N.W. of Springfield, and about 16 miles S.W. of Northampton. It has 2 churches and 2 paper-mills. Pop. of the township, in 1890, 879.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Russell, a post-village and township (town) of Hampden co., Mass., on the Westfield River and on the Boston and Albany R., 18 miles WNW. of Springfield. Pop. of the town in 1900, 793.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1930 - FIRES SWEEP 2000 ACRES NEAR RUSSELL
High Wind Whips Flames, Blamed on Sparks From Locomotive, a as More Than 750 Men and Boys Battle for Hours to Check Blazes--Farmers Driven From Homes - Montgomery Town Threatened.

By a Staff Reporter
Russell, May 4 - Fanned by a high wind, fires which broke out in a half-dozen places along the Boston & Albany railroad tracks northeast of here this morning spread over the hills and ridges and tonight had burned over more than 2000 acres of young growth timber. The fire was still out of control late tonight despite the efforts of more than 750 men and boys, assisted by firemen and apparatus from Russell, Huntington and Westfield, and was gradually spreading across Mt. Shadrack and over the rugged hill section toward the town of Montgomery.

Residents Driven Out

Residents of a half-dozen farmhouses and summer homes were driven from the vicinity by the dense smoke as the flames moved steadily through the surrounding woods and undergrowth. Although the houses near the boundary... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Russell:
Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival:

Located in nearby Becket, Jacob's Pillow is a renowned dance festival and school. Check the schedule for performances, workshops, and events. It's a great place to appreciate the art of dance.

Granville State Forest:

Embrace the outdoors at Granville State Forest, which is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and nature walks. The picturesque forest is a peaceful retreat for those who love the tranquility of nature.

Chester-Blandford State Forest:

Another nearby natural gem, this state forest offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and beautiful views. It's an excellent destination for a day of outdoor activities.

Huntington Country Store:

Explore the charm of a classic country store in nearby Huntington. You can find local goods, snacks, and perhaps strike up a conversation with friendly locals.

Blandford Ski Area:

If you're visiting during the winter months, Blandford Ski Area is the place to go for skiing and snowboarding. It's a... Read MORE...