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Russia, New York
Russia Union Church
Russia Union Church
Location within Herkimer County
Location within Herkimer County
Russia, New York is located in New York
Russia, New York
Russia, New York
Location in New York
Russia, New York is located in the United States
Russia, New York
Russia, New York
Location in the United States
Country United States
State New York
County Herkimer
Formed April 7, 1806, as Union
Renamed April 6, 1808, to Russia
Government
 • Type Town Council
Area
 • Total 60.42 sq mi (156.48 km2)
 • Land 56.96 sq mi (147.53 km2)
 • Water 3.46 sq mi (8.95 km2)
Elevation
1,322 ft (403 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 2,269
Demonym(s) Russian
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
13431
Area code(s) 315
FIPS code 36-043-64254
GNIS feature ID 0979443

The town of Russia is located in Herkimer County, New York, in the United States. It is a small community with a population of 2,269 people, according to the 2020 census. Russia is found in the northwestern part of Herkimer County, just northeast of the city of Utica.

A special part of the town, its northern area, is within the beautiful Adirondack Park. This park is a large protected area known for its forests, mountains, and lakes.

History of Russia

How Russia Was Formed

The area where Russia is now located was first part of a larger town called Norway. Norway was officially created in 1792. Later, in 1806, a new town was formed from Norway. This new town was first called Union.

Just two years later, in 1808, the town's name was changed to Russia. This is how the town got its unique name.

Changes to Town Borders

Over the years, the borders of Russia changed a few times. In 1836, some land from Russia and another town called Ohio was used to create a new town named Wilmurt. However, Wilmurt didn't last forever.

When the town of Webb was formed in 1896, most of Wilmurt's land became part of Webb. The rest of Wilmurt's land went back to the town of Ohio.

Early Industries and Population

In the mid-1800s, Russia was known for its farming and food production. People in Russia were very busy making cheese and butter. Farmers also grew important crops like maple sugar, apples, potatoes, and oats.

By 1865, the town of Russia had a population of 2,030 people. This shows that it was a growing community even back then.

Geography of Russia

Land and Water Features

Russia covers a total area of about 60.42 square miles (156.5 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 56.96 square miles (147.5 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 3.46 square miles (9.0 square kilometers), is water.

A significant water feature in Russia is Hinckley Reservoir. This reservoir was created on West Canada Creek and flows through the north-central part of the town. West Canada Creek also forms the western border of Russia, separating it from Oneida County south of the reservoir.

Main Roads

Two important roads, New York State Route 8 and New York State Route 28, meet in the village of Poland, which is partly located in Russia. These roads help connect Russia to other nearby areas.

Population in Russia

How Many People Live Here?

The population of Russia has changed over time. In 1820, there were 1,685 people. The population grew to 2,587 in 2010. By the 2020 census, the population was 2,269.

Who Lives in Russia?

In 2000, there were 2,487 people living in Russia. About 30.8% of the households had children under 18. Many families were married couples living together. The average household had about 2.50 people.

The people in Russia were of different ages. About 24.8% were under 18, and 14.0% were 65 or older. The average age in the town was 39 years old.

Communities and Places in Russia

Russia is home to several smaller communities and interesting locations.

  • Buck Hill – This is a high point located north of the village of Poland.
  • Cold Brook – A village found east of Poland, along New York State Route 8.
  • Gang Mills – This was once a community in the northwestern part of Russia. It was named for the many lumber mills that used to be there.
  • Grant – A small community, or hamlet, in the northeastern part of the town. It is located on Black Creek, south of the Hinckley Reservoir.
  • Gravesville – Another hamlet west of Russia village. It was named after William Graves, one of the first people to settle there.
  • Hinckley Reservoir – A large body of water on West Canada Creek in the northern part of the town.
  • Northwood – A hamlet on the western edge of the town, north of the Hinckley Reservoir.
  • Pardeeville Corners – A specific location southeast of Grant.
  • Poland – A village located at the southern border of the town, where West Canada Creek flows and two main state routes meet.
  • Russia Corners – This is the main hamlet of Russia, located in the south-central part of the town. The Russia Corners Historic District, which includes historic buildings, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
  • Sand Hill – Another elevated area, just northeast of Cold Brook village. It stands about 1,542 feet above sea level.
  • Trenton Falls – A hamlet located on the western town line.
  • Wheelertown – A hamlet in the northern part of Russia.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Russia (Nueva York) para niños

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