Stavropol - the path from a military fortress to the largest administrative center
According to legend, the city owes its name to a stone cross of unknown origin, which the Khoper Cossacks, the builders of the first fortress, stumbled upon. Since then, the area began to be called Stavropol (translated from Greek means: “stavros” - “cross”, “polis” - “city”). There is another version: the location of the future fortress was marked on maps with a cross, and this peculiar mark subsequently gave the name to the city.
Birth of a city
Founding history WITH Tavropol dates back to 1777. At that time, Russia's southern borders were very unstable and were often attacked by neighboring states. By order of Catherine II, the construction of a fortification line consisting of ten fortresses began. The Stavropol outpost became the main structure in this chain, which was facilitated by its advantageous geographical position on a hill.
Under his “supervision” were all the roads leading to the Volga and Don. In addition, the fortress and its surroundings were used as a place for diplomatic negotiations.
Over time, small settlements appear around the military observation post in the form of soldier settlements and villages. Just six years after the construction of the fortress, the rapid development of Stavropol turned it into an economic and administrative center. At the beginning of the 19th century, the city’s territories were actively populated by both immigrants from Russian provinces (Kursk, Tambov, Voronezh) and foreigners: for example, in 1809, the authorities invited 50 Armenian families.
Key moments of the chronicle of events
In the first half of the 19th century, Stavropol received “civilian” status and ceased to be a military fortress, which had a beneficial effect on the development of the city.
The first school was opened in 1807; it was designed for only two classes and was supported by the charity of citizens. Thirty years later, the first men's gymnasium for children of the nobility was founded; its graduate was a well-known public figure in the city, Kosta Khetagurov.
In 1845, the first drama theater in the Caucasus began to attract spectators.
Stavropol book lovers founded the first public paid library in 1852, which contained about 600 copies of books.
In 1935, the city was renamed in honor of the military leader Kliment Voroshilov and became known as Voroshilovsk.
The German occupiers held out in captured Voroshilovsk for a little more than five months (from August 3, 1942 to January 21, 1943).
In 1943, the name Stavropol was returned to the city.
Historically valuable structures
Stavropol took an honorable place in the list of historical cities of the Russian Federation. The symbol of the city is rightfully considered the Stone Cross, installed on the site of the construction of the first fortress. The remains of a wall with loopholes have been preserved from the outpost; they are included in the modern memorial complex. In the center of the complex there is a monument to commander A.V. Suvorov. In memory of the construction of the fortress, a model of a camping tent was placed on the territory. Locals and city guests have a unique opportunity to stroll through the park on the site of former military fortifications.
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The history of the city of Stavropol is also reminiscent of the Stavropol Museum of Local Lore, the building of which in the past served as a shopping center. Now the museum is one of the most valuable in the North Caucasus. Its founder G.K. Prave donated an entire scientific library to the city.
The most unique archaeological monument of the Caucasus is the Tatar settlement, within its boundaries there is a museum-reserve.
The city's heritage includes 167 historical and cultural monuments: monuments in honor of famous people, memorial plaques, memorial signs, architectural buildings.
Interesting facts
From the notes of local historian G.N. Prozritelev we learn an interesting historical legend: Nicholas I in 1837 seemed to want to change the administrative center of the Ciscaucasia and give leadership to Kuban. However, after drinking extremely clean and tasty water from a local stream, I decided to leave the privileges to Stavropol.
Having visited Stavropol, you can tell everyone how you visited the “bottom” of the Sarmatian Sea. After all, if you believe the assumptions of archaeological scientists, the Tethys Ocean used to be located on the territory of the Stavropol Territory, which over time turned into the Sarmatian Sea.
Distinctive Features. The Stavropol Territory is a huge region, with vast southern steppes and the majestic Caucasus Mountains nearby. There are large industrial cities here, and there are also vast fields where wheat, vegetables and other crops are grown. There are also healing mountain waters here, which opened up an entire resort region to the world - Caucasian mineral waters. Pushkin and Lermontov were here, who were so impressed by the Caucasus that they dedicated their works to it more than once.
The Stavropol region is also famous for the fact that the first and last president of the USSR, Mikhail Gorbachev, the author of “perestroika”, after which the huge Soviet power collapsed, emerged from these places.
Historically, the region of the Stavropol Territory played an important role in Russia’s advancement into the Caucasus. Powerful fortresses were built here to protect the southern borders from the Turks, and many Cossack villages appeared, which became the basis of the Terek Cossack army.
Geographical location. The Stavropol Territory is located in the south of the European part of Russia. This is the northernmost region included in the North Caucasus Federal District. The capital of the North Caucasus Federal District, the city of Pyatigorsk, is also located here.
The Stavropol Territory is surrounded on all sides by national republics. In the south these are Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia - Alania, and the Chechen Republic. In the east these are the republics of Dagestan and Kalmykia. Only in the west and north are neighboring regions not national autonomies. These are the Krasnodar Territory and the Rostov Region.
The terrain of the region is mainly mountainous. Most of the territory is occupied by the Stavropol Upland. In the east stretch the endless Nogai steppes. In the south are the foothills of the Caucasus, with one of the most important areas - the Caucasian Mineral Waters.
The main rivers of the region are the Kuban and Kuma. The mountain rivers of Stavropol are ideal for the construction of hydroelectric power stations, the total capacity of which is 4222 MW. There are very few lakes. Tambukan Lake on the border with Kabardino-Balkaria is famous for its healing mud.
Medical park in Zheleznovodsk. Photo by neu-zwei
Population. The Stavropol Territory is in 14th place in terms of population. In 2012 it was equal to 2,786,281 people. The male population is 46.6%, the female population is 53.4%. Population density - 42.18 people. per sq. km.
80% of the local population are Russians. In second place in number are Armenians (5.79%). In third place are Dagestani-Dargins (1.77%). The demographic situation in the Stavropol Territory is favorable. The birth rate here is equal to the death rate - approximately 12 people. per 1000 population. Average life expectancy is 71 years.
Crime. Stavropol region is a quiet and calm region. In the criminal ranking by the number of crimes committed, the Stavropol Territory is in a comfortable 69th place. Unfortunately, there are also excesses associated with the past Caucasian War. So, in 2010, a terrorist attack took place in Stavropol. But such cases are rare, and this can happen in any southern region of Russia.
Unemployment rate in the Stavropol region is lower than the Russian average. In 2012 it was 5.37%. And this is not surprising. Locals have plenty to do. There are large industrial centers and country-famous resorts here. But there are no incredible incomes here. The average salary in the Stavropol Territory is 18,131 rubles, while it is difficult to identify any industries where salaries would actually differ from the average level. Well, perhaps we can mention the financial sector, where the average salary is about 40 thousand rubles.
Property value. The Stavropol region is characterized by very low housing prices. In Stavropol, the average price per square meter is about 36 thousand rubles. At the same time, the minimum price for new housing can be only 20 thousand rubles! Almost the same price level in Essentuki - 35 thousand rubles per sq. m. meter. But Pyatigorsk is one of the most expensive cities in the region. A square meter here costs almost one and a half times higher - 45.5 rubles. per sq. meter. Perhaps the reason for this is the high status of Pyatigorsk, which in 2010 became the center of the North Caucasus Federal District.
Climate Stavropol Territory - temperate continental. But it's not that simple. Large steppe expanses in the north and the Caucasus Mountains in the south, proximity to the Black Sea leave their mark on the weather in this region. Thus, winters here are short and warm, with an average January temperature of −4°C. But sometimes there can be severe frosts, up to 30-40 degrees below zero. Summer comes early, at the beginning of May. Moreover, in the north it is very hot, and in the foothills it is cool. On the plains the average July temperature is +23°C. The amount of precipitation is also uneven. In the southeast there is little rainfall, 300-500 mm, and in mountainous areas - 600-700 mm.
Cities of the Stavropol Territory
(412,116 people) - the capital of the region, its cultural, business and industrial center. Like many cities in the Caucasus, it arose as a fortress, but outgrew its narrow boundaries and quickly became a regional leader. The construction of the Stavropol fortress was led by our great commander, Generalissimo A.V. Suvorov. Today, more than 400 industrial enterprises in mechanical engineering, instrument making, chemical and oil and gas industries operate in Stavropol. The city has a developed infrastructure with a large number of educational institutions, sports facilities, and cultural institutions.
The center of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region and the second largest city in the Stavropol region (population - 145,427 people) was founded in 1780 as the Constantinogorsk fortress, which was supposed to protect our southern borders from the Turks. But after 13 years, the healing power of the mineral springs of Mount Mashuk was discovered.
Since then, the fate of the city has changed dramatically, turning it into one of the most important health resorts in pre-revolutionary Russia. It was in Pyatigorsk that Lermontov’s “hero of our time” came to rest, and the writer himself died here in a duel. Pyatigorsk has preserved many interesting sights associated with Lermontov and his era. In addition, near Pyatigorsk there is the largest fur market.
(129,355 people) is a resort city located near Pyatigorsk and Essentuka. In terms of the number of health resorts, it has no equal in Russia, except perhaps the city of Sochi. The city got its name thanks to the mineral springs with medicinal water “Narzan”, which means “drink of heroes”.
The history of the city began in 1803 with the construction of a fortress near mineral springs. Next to it appeared the village of Kislovodskaya, in which many of the soldiers who had served their time remained to live. For some time, A.S. also lived in the fortress. Pushkin. After the Bolsheviks came to power, sanatoriums began to grow in the city like mushrooms after rain. Thus, over 20 years, more than 40 sanatoriums were created. Today Kislovodsk is a nice green city with a lot of parks.
(117,663 people) - one of the largest industrial cities in the Stavropol region. It even ranks first in the region in terms of manufacturing volumes. Thanks to its excellent climate and good ecology, it is included in our top ten Russian cities most suitable for living. Founded in 1825 as the village of Nevinnomysskaya, at the confluence of two rivers - the Kuban and Bolshoy Zelenchuk. The city has a well-developed infrastructure. There are many kindergartens, schools, higher educational institutions, cultural institutions and all kinds of entertainment. It’s hard to single out any downsides, except maybe crime, but it’s not that dangerous here either.
(102,269 people) - founded in 1825 on the site of a former Cossack redoubt. Today it is the largest drinking and balneological resort. There are 20 mineral springs in the city and its surroundings. Mineral waters "Essentuki" are used to treat the liver, gastrointestinal tract and to improve metabolism. Mud therapy is also developed here. Today, the city's economy is based on 11 mineral water bottling plants, food industry enterprises and sanatoriums.
Mineralnye Vody(76,291 people) - founded in 1878 as the Sultanovskaya station of the Rostov-Caucasus Railway. Despite its name, there are no mineral waters in the city itself, but this city is the gateway to the ecological resort region of Caucasian Mineral Waters. 91 km from the city is the majestic Mount Elbrus, which is clearly visible from any area of Mineralnye Vody.
The population of the Stavropol Territory currently amounts to 2 million 804 thousand 383 people. As in most Russian regions, the lion's share of residents settled in cities. In the Stavropol region this figure is 58%. The population density is 42 people per square kilometer. According to this indicator, the region is in 23rd place in Russia, between the Voronezh and Nizhny Novgorod regions.
Dynamics of the number of residents in the Stavropol region
The population of the Stavropol Territory has been growing steadily in recent years. The first statistical data have been known since 1897, when the region had a little more than 870 thousand inhabitants. Stavropol residents crossed the two million mark in 1970.
Since then, the dynamics have been positive, with the exception of the period from 2001 to 2007, when the number of residents decreased every year and eventually fell from two million 740 thousand to two million 701 thousand people.
After this, negative dynamics were noted only in 2011. In all other years, the number of residents increased. At the moment, the population of the Stavropol Territory is two million 804 thousand 383 people. This data is provided by Rosstat.
Fertility dynamics
The birth rate in the region is one of the key indicators on which the population of the Stavropol Territory depends.
Statistics on the number of babies born per year have been regularly compiled since 1970. Then, by the way, 14.2 people were born per thousand inhabitants. By 1985, this figure reached 16.7.
Then, during perestroika and in the first years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the birth rate fell throughout the entire state. The Stavropol Territory was no exception. By 2000, this figure had decreased several times, amounting to less than 9 people per thousand inhabitants.
Only in 2000 did the birth rate dynamics become positive. True, there was no growth from year to year; there were periods of failure. But in fairness it should be said that they were insignificant. At the moment, 13.1 children are born per thousand residents of the Stavropol region. The indicator is significantly higher than in the 90s, but the region still cannot reach the level of the 70s.
Dynamics of mortality
Another important indicator on which the population of the Stavropol Territory depends is mortality. Statistics in this area began to be kept at the same time when they began to monitor the birth rate.
In 1970, only 9 people died per thousand Stavropol residents. The rate was significantly lower than the birth rate, so the population of the region grew every year. In addition, the natural migration of Russian residents from other regions and republics played a role. In contrast to the birth rate at the turn of the 80s and 90s, mortality statistics went up.
By 1995, 13.5 people died per thousand Stavropol residents. These figures were already significantly higher than the birth rate in the region. In recent years, the situation has stabilized in this area. Over the past year, slightly less than 12 Stavropol residents died per thousand residents.
Population density
The population density of the Stavropol Territory is quite high, especially when compared with other Russian regions. The region has a population of 42 people per square kilometer.
The average population density of the Stavropol Territory is ahead of most regions and republics of Russia, occupying 23rd place. Let us note that the leader of this ranking is Moscow (more than 4,800 people per square kilometer), St. Petersburg is in second place (3,764 people), and Sevastopol closes the top three. True, the numbers here are already tens of times lower - 496 people.
So to speak, the most comfortable life in Russia is in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug - on average, on an entire square kilometer you can meet 7 hundredths of a person. There is also less than one inhabitant per given unit of measurement in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, the Magadan Region, the Republic of Sakha, the Kamchatka Territory and the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.
Cities of the Stavropol Territory
The population of the cities of the Stavropol Territory forms the basis, since this is where the majority of residents are concentrated. A similar trend is observed throughout the country. In the Stavropol region, 58% of residents have already abandoned rural life in favor of the city. There are 9 cities in the region.
The largest is, of course, the capital of the region. Almost 430 thousand people live here. Twice less in the resort city of Pyatigorsk. Kislovodsk, Nevinnomyssk and Essentuki also have more than 100 thousand.
Small urban settlements with less than 100 thousand registered residents are Georgievsk, Zheleznovodsk, Mineralnye Vody and Lermontov.
In this region, large cities live and develop not so much through industry and agriculture, as in most Russian regions, but through tourism.
We’ll talk about Stavropol separately, but this applies directly to almost everyone else. What population will be in the Stavropol Territory next year directly depends on how many tourists will come this year.
Pyatigorsk exists almost entirely from sanatoriums and mineral springs. The situation is similar in other large administrative centers.
Among the enterprises that contribute to the development of the region, not being tourist ones, it is worth noting the brewery in Essentuki and enterprises for the extraction and bottling of mineral water.
Stavropol
The capital of the region - the city of Stavropol - was founded in 1777. The development of the economy in this region is stimulated by the current special economic zone of a tourist and recreational type, which was created in 2007 on the territory of the entire region. 5 years later, it lost its independence after it was included in the North Caucasus tourism cluster. It is managed by OJSC "Resorts of the North Caucasus".
In addition to tourism-related enterprises, industry is developing in the city. Advanced industries are mechanical engineering. Truck cranes, electrical equipment, instruments and machine tools are produced in the Stavropol region. Also in good standing are the electric power industry, oil and gas production and refining, and the chemical industry.
The Stavropol region is famous for its plants and factories related to the food industry. Wine, sugar and canned goods are produced here. The microbiological and furniture industries are also developing in Stavropol itself.
Districts of the Stavropol Territory
The population of the regions of the Stavropol Territory has been declining in recent years. This is explained simply: most residents tend to live in large cities. There are 26 municipal districts in the Stavropol Territory.
The largest is the Mineralovodsky district. It is home to just over 140 thousand people. The industrial economy of this area is based on 40 medium and large enterprises. Among them are a local bakery, companies producing mineral and drinking water, wineries, and a meat processing plant.
13 companies form the backbone of the region's construction industry. 16 large enterprises, not counting small farms, are engaged in agriculture. There is fertile soil for growing grain and industrial crops. As well as breeding sheep and cattle.
Peasant farms, in turn, produce vegetables and fruits, milk and meat. There is also a unique farm in Russia that breeds the Arabian breed. horses.
The least number of residents live in the Stepnovsky district - only 21 thousand people. The number of inhabitants in this municipality is steadily declining. The area survives only due to small agricultural enterprises.
Villages of the Stavropol Territory
The population of villages in the Stavropol Territory has undergone serious changes in recent years. If in general there are more people in the region, then there are fewer and fewer people left in the villages. This discrepancy is explained simply. Residents of other regions who come to work in the Stavropol Territory mainly settle in large cities. All young people come here, which increases the birth rate in Stavropol and other large populated areas.
Almost no one comes to the village, and the average age of residents increases every year. There is no one to give birth, and the mortality rate is rising.
Despite this, there are several large and strong villages in the Stavropol Territory. For example, the village of Aleksandrovskoye in the district of the same name. About 27 and a half thousand people live here. There is a creamery, companies producing livestock and crop products, alcoholic beverages, food products and even sewing fur products. This is done by an enterprise with the self-explanatory name “Runo”.
National composition of residents of the Stavropol Territory
Most of the people living in the region are Russians. They constitute over 80% of the total number of residents of the Stavropol Territory. The Armenians are in second place. In the Stavropol region there are almost 6% of them. The top three are completed by the Dargins - just under 2%.
The Dargins are one of the largest Dagestan peoples. They profess Islam. At the time of the last census, more than half a million Dargins lived in the Russian Federation. Almost all of them live in Dagestan and surrounding regions, in particular in the Stavropol Territory. It is noteworthy that the Dargins have their own language, which belongs to the North Caucasian family. From it many dialects are formed, which are used by many residents of modern Dagestan.
In general, there are many peoples in the Stavropol region, the share of which among the total number of residents is very high for Russia. For example, in 4th place are the Greeks. There are more than 33 thousand of them in the Stavropol region.
This decision was met with extreme alarm by the Russian residents of the region. Everyone perfectly understood the consequences of this step by MedvePutov for the Stavropol region and especially for Pyatigorsk and Kavminvod. Sharply increased criminal and migration pressure on the region from the Caucasian peoples.
However, everything turned out to be much worse. It is already becoming clear that the creation of a new federal district was initiated for the direct transfer of the lands of the Stavropol region to the colonization fund of the rapidly multiplying mountain peoples of the North Caucasus. For its subsequent settlement by hostile Russian North Caucasian ethnic groups, accompanied by the expulsion and genocide of the Russian population of Stavropol. Similar to how this happened in the 90s in Chechnya and how it has happened in recent decades in all North Caucasian autonomies.
A key role in conducting this process is assigned to the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the newly created district for the Caucasus - the Jewish oligarch and former governor of the Krasnoyarsk Territory - Khloponin.
The situation completely repeats the transfer of Russian Cossack lands to the Caucasian autonomies by the Bolsheviks of the Soviet of Deputies for their settlement by mountaineers friendly to the Soviet Union instead of Russian Cossacks unfriendly to the Soviet Union. There is a continuity of Russophobic policies from the Bolsheviks to today's Kremlins, personified by Putin and Medvedev.
The leaders of the Armenian and Tat (Mountain Jews) communities of Pyatigorsk and Kavminvod responded most quickly to the current situation. They began to sharply look for buyers for their enterprises and their businesses. Real estate prices in the Stavropol region and especially in Pyatigorsk and Kavminvody have noticeably crept down. The demand for weapons has also increased sharply in the region.
The number of Caucasians and, above all, Chechens in the cities of Stavropol has increased very noticeably. This is especially noticeable in Pyatigorsk. Caucasians, primarily Chechens, began to behave noticeably more arrogantly and boorishly. At the same time, opposition to them from the police, obviously as a result of instructions from above, sharply decreased. Caucasians can now afford what the police harshly suppressed just a year ago. Walking around the cities of Kavminvod at night and in the evening has become dangerous for Russians. And during the day, at least, it’s not comfortable.
The tourist flow to Kavminvody, which has been languishing in recent years, will soon be reduced to nothing. The sale of business, real estate and the withdrawal of capital by those who have such an opportunity will also hit the region’s economy hard.
At the forefront of expansion were the Caucasian Mineralnye Vody - Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk, Essentuki (where I’m from) and Mineralnye Vody. In pre-Soviet and Soviet times, it was a well-known recreational area with a developed resort infrastructure. This region of Stavropol is located on the border with Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Chechnya-Dagestan-Ingushetia-Ossetia is a little further, but also borders the Stavropol Territory. The following ethnic communities are noticeably present in Kavminvody. Armenian, Tat (Mountain Jews) and Greek are especially numerous and influential. There are many Kabardians and Karachais. Dagestanis, Ossetians, and Vainakhs are present.
Armenians and Greeks were present in the Caucasus Mining Waters and under the Council of Deputies. They specialized in trade, shadow economy and crime. After the collapse of the Soviet of Deputies and the start of privatization, the greatest success in the Caucasus Mining Waters was achieved by Armenians and Tats who migrated here in large numbers from Azerbaijan along with the capital created under the Soviet of Deputies in the shadow economy. They mainly bought up privatized real estate and took key positions in the field of trade, catering, hotel and gambling business. The Armenian criminal diaspora reached the peak of its power in 2007, when they managed to put their own people in the leadership of Kislovodsk and the Kislovodsk police, after which a large-scale criminal-cop redistribution of property in Kislovodsk began in favor of the Armenian community, which today is largely completed. The Greeks also owned sufficient capital created under the Council of Deputies in the shadow economy and also took part in privatization, but to a lesser extent compared to the Armenians and Mountain Jews. The Greek patrimony is Essentuki, the village of Essentuki. In other cities they are represented to a lesser extent. The Karachay and Kabardian communities specialize in burnt vodka produced in these autonomies, as well as drugs and other pure crime.
Until recently, the Dagi and Nokhchi were poorly represented and behaved quietly. Since the direct criminal expansion of their communities was suppressed by the police until recently.
Judging by the circulating leaks from the administration and police of the Caucasus Mining Waters, as well as, and above all, by the changed behavior and direct actions of the Caucasus Mining Waters garbage and officials, carte blanche for the colonization of the Stavropol region, formalized by the creation of the North Caucasus Federal District, was given specifically to Chechnya.
In the last six months, it was the Chechens who went to the Stavropol region and, above all, the Kavminvody in droves. Moreover, they came for a reason, but they immediately received many benefits. Development land has been allocated especially for Chechens - 60 hectares in Pyatigorsk, 50 in Kislovodsk. A clear indication of the patronage of Chechen expansion at the highest level can be a recent incident in Pyatigorsk. A large group of Chechens were walking in one of the restaurants in Pyatigorsk, they behaved in such a way that they had to call a reinforced police squad. The arriving cops gave them a warning. The next day, the chief of police of Pyatigorsk was removed from his post for inciting ethnic hatred.
Here is the testimony of a local resident: “...Now it has become scary to go out not only in the evening in Kislovodsk, but also during the day throughout the Kavminvody. The Chechens behave as if they are the masters here, and now it is impossible to oppose them with absolutely nothing. After the removal of the chief of police of Pyatigorsk for inciting ethnic hatred due to the conflict between his subordinates and the Chechens, he now tries not to get involved with the Chechens. They behave this way with the sanction of our beloved government....”
Everyone knows perfectly well how the Chechens survive the Russians and everyone else from the territories that the Russian authorities give to them. In the very near future, a strict criminal seizure of businesses, houses and other property from Russians, Armenians, Greeks and Tats will begin. With the Karachays, Kabardas and Dags in the first stages, at least the Vainakhs will act together. That is why the leaders of the Greek, Armenian and Tat communities are the first to pack their bags, realizing that with the protection of the Nokhchi at the very top, it will not be possible to use the cops to protect their interests even for a significant “baksheesh”.
HISTORY OF STAVROPOL REGION
The territory of the present Stavropol Territory began to be populated since ancient times. This is evidenced by the discovery of more than 20 ancient settlements and settlements by archaeologists from the Chalcolithic era to the Middle Ages, the most ancient of which was located on the left bank of the Tashly River at the northern foot of the Fortress Mountain.
In 1777, by decree of Catherine II of April 24, the Azov-Mozdok defensive line was laid, which gave rise to the settlement of the Ciscaucasia and the North Caucasus. Since that time, the lands of Stavropol have been part of the Astrakhan region (April 24, 1777. Highly approved report of the Astrakhan, Novorossiysk and Azov Governor-General Prince Potemkin. - On the establishment of a line from Mozdok to Azov, PSZ, Collection 1, vol. XX, No. 14.607 ).
The very first plan of Stavropol-Caucasus known to date, dated 1778, shows that the fortress was built according to all the rules of that time. It occupied an area of about 10 hectares and had the shape of a polygon, elongated from southwest to northeast. The length of its longitudinal axis was 700, and its transverse axis was 320 m. The fortress was surrounded by a rampart and a ditch. The height of the rampart was 1.8 m, the ditch had a depth of about 3.5 and a width of 6 to 9 m.
The mountain, which occupied a dominant position in the surrounding area, was limited from the north by the deep gully of the Tashly River. It ended abruptly in the east to the leveled square where the Stavropol village was located. On the southern side, the most dangerous side at that time, the fortress was protected by the Mamayka, Mutnyanka, and Zhelobovka river gullies stretching from west to east. One of the streams, flowing near the fortress moats, began from springs inside the block, bounded by modern streets: Sovetskaya, Dzerzhinsky, Marshal Zhukov and October Revolution Avenue. It still flows through them and the underlying neighborhoods, but in a closed stone channel. The second, more southern, stream began in the area where the Dynamo stadium is now located. A deep ravine, which is located between modern International and Kavaleriyskaya streets, from the west limited the territory occupied by the buildings of the fortress, but located outside its walls.
Almost everywhere, in parallel with the construction of fortresses, the construction of Cossack villages took place. Thus, already in 1778, in the village of Stavropolskaya, where the headquarters of the Khopersky regiment was located, there were 197 houses of Cossacks and officers, a guardhouse, a powder magazine, two shops and several other buildings.
As the Ciscaucasia region is settled and developed, Stavropol becomes increasingly important as an important trade and transit center. It becomes a kind of main gate of the Caucasus. The Great Cherkasy Highway, which connected St. Petersburg and Moscow with the Caucasus, the Great Salskaya Road, which went to the Volga, and the roads to Rostov and Yekaterinodar pass through the city.
In 1802, by decree of Emperor Alexander I dated November 15, the Caucasian province was created with the center in the city of Georgievsk (November 15, 1802 Personal decree to the Senate. - On the organization of cities and public places in the Astrakhan and Caucasian provinces. PSZ, collection 1, volume XXVI, No. 20.511).
The province occupied the territory from the Caspian Sea to Ust-Laba and from Manych to the foothills. The lands of modern Stavropol formed the core of this province.
In 1822, by decree of July 24, the Caucasian province was transformed into the Caucasian region without changing the previous borders (July 24, 1822. Personal decree given to the Senate. - On the renaming of the Caucasian Governorate as a Region and on the appointment of the district city of Stavropol as a Regional city, PSZ, collection 1 , vol.XXXVIII, no. 29.138).
The economic and administrative importance of Stavropol is growing. By decree of July 24, 1822, the Caucasian province was transformed into a region. The city of Stavropol becomes its center. The entire military and civil administration was concentrated here, the headquarters of the commander of the troops of the Caucasian line and the Black Sea region, the administration of the Caucasian linear Cossack army, and institutions in charge of procuring and supplying troops with food and uniforms were located.
On September 6, 1824, Infantry General Ermolov wrote a report to Alexander I on the need for a complete transfer of all regional government offices from Georgievsk to Stavropol.
On October 2, 1824, by Decree of Alexander I, all regional government offices were transferred from Georgievsk to Stavropol.
In 1847, by decree of May 5, the Caucasus region was transformed into the Stavropol province without changing the borders (May 1, 1847. Personal decree given to the Senate. - On naming the Caucasus region Stavropol province. PSZ, collection 2, vol. XXII, department 1 , No. 21.164).
In 1860, by the Decree of February 8, the newly formed Terek and Kuban regions were removed from the Stavropol province and the territory of the region approached its modern borders (February 8, 1860. Personal decree announced to the Senate. - That the right and left wings of the Caucasian line call the Kuban and Terek regions, and the entire area north of the main ridge of the Caucasus Mountains - the Northern Caucasus collection 2, vol. XXXV, No. 35.421).
With minor changes, the Stavropol province existed until 1924.
In October 1924, the North Caucasus Territory was created and the Stavropol province was transformed into a district within the specified region.
On January 10, 1934, a decision was made by the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR to divide the North Caucasus region into the Azov-Black Sea and North Caucasus regions. The city of Pyatigorsk became the center of the North Caucasus region.
In March 1936, by decree of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee of the RSFSR, the North Caucasus region was reorganized and the Ordzhonikidze region with its center in Stavropol was separated from it.
In 1941, the Ordzhonikidze region was renamed the Stavropol region.
In 1935-1943, the city of Stavropol bore the name Voroshilovsk, in honor of the prominent Soviet-era military leader Voroshilov.
On August 7, 1956, the city districts of Stavropol - Kaganovichsky, Ordzhonikidze and Stalinsky - were abolished.
By the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated July 7, 1977, “for the great successes achieved by the working people of the city of Stavropol in economic and cultural construction, noting their merits in the revolutionary movement, in the fight against the Nazi invaders during the Great Patriotic War, and in connection with the 200 -anniversary of its founding” the city was awarded the Order of the October Revolution.
During the period from 1970 to the 1980s. 56 new enterprises were put into operation in the region, including the Prikumsky Plastics Plant - the largest chemical production facility in the south of the country, four power units at the Stavropol State District Power Plant, and new capacities at the Nevinnomyssk Azot Association. In the early 1990s. even after the failed perestroika, the region had a developed economy: there were 327 large industrial enterprises, including the largest in the North Caucasus, the Stavropol State District Power Plant.
The historical path of Stavropol is reflected on the city’s coat of arms. The fortress at the top of the heraldic shield is a symbol of the defense of the southern borders of Russia. The cross indicates that the center of the Orthodox diocese of the North Caucasus is located in the region. A wreath of oak leaves and wheat ears represents fertility. The golden color symbolizes the main feature of the sunny region - the edge of the golden ear and the golden fleece.
