The site of The Russell Hotel/Fortune of War Group is associated with prominent colonial figure Samuel Terry, whose astute business dealings led to him becoming known as the 'Botany Bay Rothschild'. Terry leased, and later owned, the entire site of The Russell Hotel/Fortune of War group and erected a group of three buildings upon it.
The present Fortune of War Hotel, and to a lesser extent the Russell Hotel, are associated with Tooth & Co, a brewing company that was established in 1835 and ran until 1983. The company took an increasing interest in the construction and operation of hotels from the 1920s.
Fortune of War, 137 George st, 1980
Fortune of War, 137 George st, 2010
Fortune of War, 137 George st, 2020
