Russell Springs was first known as the community of Big Boiling Springs. Big Boiling Springs was located in West Central Russell County and was so named that because there was a large mineral spring at the center of the community. The spring was so large that it was once said that the water appeared to be boiling out of the ground. On April 28, 1888 the town was initially established as Kimble. The first post master, Dan Wilson served until 1896. The story goes that when the government
official visited Kimble and demanded a name, Det Acree one of the future postmasters looked out the windows and saw George Kimble, one of the local businessmen and a dear friend. "Why not call it Kimble?" Det said.
Big Boiling Springs remained Kimble until June 3, 1901. With all the springs in the area Kimble soon proved not to be an appropriate name. With over 25 springs in the area and with Allen Spring providing all of Kimble with water it was logical that since
the city was in Russell County for the name to be changed to Russell Springs.
The businesses in Russell Springs at the beginning of the century included a rolling mill where people had their wheat and corn ground, a barber shop, a blacksmith shop, one store and millinery shop, a picture gallery, a saw mill, and a one room school. There was one main attraction in the town and that was Chalybeate Springs. The water of the spring was said to cure all ills and was later used as a
water supply for the whole town. People from all around came to drink the water, a row of homes was built to accommodate the visitors of the springs and later became known as the Long Row. Every 4th of July a huge celebration and picnic was held at Chalybeate Springs and all the people of the community would gather to raise the flag and enjoy the lemonade and food stands.
Highways 80 and 127 intersect at the center of Russell Springs. Highway 80 was
the first gravel road to stretch from the extreme east to the extreme west of the state. Highway 127 was the first blacktop road to go from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. Both of these highways brought large volumes of traffic through the area helping Russell Springs to grow and thrive.
