RUSSELL.
Russell was formed in 1786, from Washington county, and named
from Gen. Wm. Russell. Its mean length is 40, mean breadth 34
miles. It is drained by branches of the Sandy, and by the Clinch
River; the latter runs through its eastern portion. The principal
portion of the population is included between Clinch mountain and
a distance of 15 miles from its base. The northern, and a greater
portion of its territory, is so mountainous, sterile, and difficult of
access, that its inhabitants are few and far between. There are
some rich sections of land in Russell; and its mineral wealth—coal,
iron ore, marble, &c.—is considerable. About 100,000 pounds of
maple sugar are annually produced in the county. Pop. in 1840,
whites 7,152, slaves 700, free colored 26; total, 7,878.
Lebanon, the county-seat, is 325 miles SW. of Richmond, and 130
miles from Knoxville, Tenn. It is beautifully situated on a branch
of Clinch River, and commands a fine view of mountain scenery.
It was founded in 1816, and although a small village, it is the only
one in the county.
