Russell, PA

Russell is a small town located in the northeast corner of Pennsylvania. The population was 2,711 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area.

The history of Russell can be traced back to 1786 when it was founded by General John Armstrong as a trading post on the Susquehanna River. The town grew rapidly in the early 1800s as coal and iron mining became important industries in northeastern Pennsylvania. By 1875, Russell had become an incorporated city with a population of 3,000.

Today, Russell is primarily known for its historic downtown district and its many antique shops and boutiques. The downtown area features several well-maintained Victorian homes and commercial buildings dating from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. There are also several modern businesses located in downtown Russell, including a bank, restaurant, hair salon, and convenience store.

The main attraction in Russell for residents and visitors alike is its many parks and gardens. These include Armstrong Park (home to a pool), East Park (with a playground), North Park (with tennis courts), South Park (with baseball fields), Rose Garden (containing roses from all over the world), Heritage Hill Cemetery (containing graves from prominent families in northeastern Pennsylvania), and Veterans Memorial Garden (dedicated to those who have served in wars throughout history). There are also several churches located within walking distance of downtown Russell: First Presbyterian Church (built in 1892), United Methodist Church (built in 1906), Saint Paul's Episcopal Church (built in 1886), Trinity Lutheran Church (built in 1892), and Christ Lutheran Church (built in 1899).

For those who want to explore more than just Russell's historic downtown district, there are numerous hiking trails available nearby: The Appalachian Trail passes just north of town; Cresson State Forest is about 10 miles away; Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton National Forest is about 25 miles away; while Nanticoke State Forest is about 45 miles away. Additionally, there are several golf courses within driving distance: Pine Hills Golf Club near Wilkes-Barre; Lackawanna Country Club near Scranton; Mountain Top Golf Course near Hazleton; while Mohawk Valley Golf Course near Dunmore can be reached by car or bike ride.