In 1871, colonists from Ripon, Wisconsin established a permanent settlement at Fossil Station, renaming it Russell after the county.

[5][6] In 1876, Volga Germans, mostly from the area around Saratov and Samara in Russia, began settling in and around Russell.

[9] Dole was born and raised in Russell, and it remained his official place of residence throughout his political career.

[11][12] The city lies in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) south of the Saline River and 8 miles (13 km) north of the Smoky Hill River.

[13] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.87 square miles (12.61 km2), all land.

The economy of Russell is based primarily on agriculture with wheat gluten and ethanol manufacturing facilities located in the local industrial park.

The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: educational services, health care, and social assistance (28.3%); retail trade (20.0%); and agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (12.8%).

[19] Located downtown, the Deines Cultural Center is a non-profit art gallery that hosts exhibits featuring the work of local and regional artists.

Its permanent collections consist of paintings by Birger Sandzén and the wood engravings of local artist E. Hubert Deines.

[22] In the month of July, Russell hosts the Ad Astra Music Festival, a concert series featuring student and professional artists from all over the United States and the world.

The city hosts the annual Russell County Free Fair during the last week of July.

[23] Sponsored by local businesses and organizations, the Fair includes a 4-H livestock sale, carnival, live music, and other entertainment.

[24] Other annual events include the annual Blarney Stone Hunt, the Independence Day Freedom Fireworks Celebration, Bricks, Broncs & BBQ and Flatland Car & Cycle Show the first weekend in October, the Lighted Christmas Parade, and Weihnachtsfest, a Christmas festival held the second Saturday in December for over 25 years.

Every ten years since 1941, Russell has held Prairiesta, a festival commemorating the city's foundation and celebrating its heritage.

Held in June, the festival includes a parade, carnival rides, live music, arts and crafts exhibits, and a historical pageant.

[28] The Oil Patch Museum, located just north of I-70 Exit 184, houses exhibits on area geology and the history of local petroleum drilling, production, and transportation.

The largest is Memorial Park, located on the north side of the U.S. 40 business route in the far eastern part of the city.

[34] In addition, the city government operates a municipal swimming pool next to Memorial Park.

[38] Russell lies within Kansas's 1st U.S. Congressional District, represented by Tracey Mann (R-Salina).

[36] The community is served by Russell County USD 407 public school district, and operates four public schools in the city:[39] The Russell County News is the local newspaper, published weekly on Thursdays.

[41][42] Its sister station KRSL-FM broadcasts on 95.9 FM, playing a Classic Hits format.

[45] KAKE, the ABC affiliate in Wichita, operates a translator station (K38GH) in Russell which broadcasts on analog channel 38.

[46] KBSH-DT, KOCW, and KSNC, the respective satellite stations of the CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates in Wichita, are located in neighboring counties, placing Russell within their broadcast radius.