Wells has been increased subsequent to its initial formation by parts of Mayfield (1812, 1816), Northampton (1816), and Lake Pleasant (1858).

Despite no attacks, the Adirondack settlers, who considered themselves on the northern frontier boundary of the St. Lawrence, fled from their homes and scattered themselves to the counties of Saratoga, Rensselaer and Montgomery.

All inhabitants except the Peck family left Lake Pleasant, and so did a large majority leave Wells.

An application was made by a remaining few settlers to New York governor Daniel D. Tompkins for an order to raise a company of volunteers from Lake Pleasant and Wells to create a militia in order to "allay the fears of the inhabitants," to protect them from a possible massacre and to encourage them to return to their homes.

[4] The War of 1812 brought a need for roads to be built so United States forces could invade Canada.

A military road was created through the town of Wells to reach the St. Lawrence river so men and provisions could be transported easily into Canadian territory.

Four planes were involved in the training mission and two of the four crashed into the Adirondack mountains, killing one pilot and injuring the other.

[6] The crash is said to have been the inspiration for a two-part episode of The X-Files, set in the nearby village of Northville, New York, but no filming took place in either location.

New York State Route 8, an east-west highway, runs concurrently with NY-30 in the central part of Wells.

The town is a tourist destination for outdoor activities including boating, kayaking, hiking, camping, fishing, and snowmobiling.