Adams is a town located in Jefferson County, New York, within the United States. Situated south of Watertown, it occupies a region to the west of the Tug Hill Plateau. The area is defined by its waterways, with Sandy Creek flowing through the southern section and Stony Creek traversing the northern part, both serving as direct tributaries to Lake Ontario. This geographic setting establishes the town's physical context within the broader landscape of upstate New York.

Settlement in the area began around 1800 at what is now Adams village, with David Smith building a sawmill at the present site in 1801. The town was renamed for President John Adams in 1802, shortly after his presidency ended, and was created from the survey townships of Aleppo and Orpheus. In 1804, the eastern part of Adams was separated to form the town of Rodman. During the War of 1812, the community organized a local militia for home defense.

The town contains a village also named Adams, along with several hamlets including Adams Center and Green Settlement. The Talcott Falls Site holds historical significance, having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Infrastructure includes Interstate 81 running north-south through the middle of the town with three interchanges, while New York State Route 177 and Route 178 provide eastward and westward connections from key population centers.

Adams is home to notable historical figures such as Alvan E. Bovay, a co-founder of the Republican Party, and J. Sterling Morton, known as the father of Arbor Day. The community also produced prominent individuals like Charles Grandison Finney, a leading evangelist, and Henry Keep, a noted financier. These legacies contribute to the town's cultural identity, reflecting its roots in early American political and religious movements through the lives of its residents.

The population was recorded at 4,973 as of 2020, though earlier data indicates a count of 5,143 in 2010. The town covers an area of 42.4 square miles, with land comprising the vast majority of the total space. Transportation access is facilitated by major highways including U.S. Route 11 and Interstate 81, which connect the village and hamlets to surrounding regions, supporting the local economy and daily life for its residents.