[3] Rutland is in the eastern part of the county, east of Watertown and southwest of Fort Drum.

Prehistoric remains are evidence of an original early native population.

In 1844, an island in the Black River at Felts Mills was annexed from the town of Le Ray.

New York State Route 3 follows the south bank of the Black River.

The community of Black River set itself apart from Rutland and the town of Le Ray by incorporating as a village in 1891.