Scientists claim that the history of Petrozavodsk as an urban settlement began in 1703 with the construction of an arms factory. At the same time, they always make a reservation that a person came to these lands much earlier. In the vicinity of the city, settlements of the Mesolithic and Neolithic times were found.
By order of Peter I
It all started with the founding of the Petrozavodsk Sloboda, the inhabitants of which built an arms factory at the mouth of the Lososinka River, and then became its first workers. A special expedition left in advance to find a suitable place for the plant.
Around the plant, originally named Shuisky, a high earthen rampart was poured, cannons were placed around the perimeter, that is, the plant was under reliable protection, its workers could repulse uninvited guests at any time. It is clear that the settlement began to grow, the number of its inhabitants increased, as production increased and expanded, new human resources were needed.
Military and peaceful needs
The activity of the settlement increased during the period of hostilities and decreased after their end, regardless of the victory or loss of the Russian side. Thus, the weapons produced at this plant were used by soldiers during the Northern War with the Swedes (1700–1721); Russian-Turkish War (1735-1739).
In 1772, Empress Catherine II signed a decree on the construction of another plant, a cannon foundry, which was named Alexandrovsky. Simultaneously with the construction of factory buildings, the organized development of the settlement began, in the center of it a square appeared, from which the main streets diverged.
In connection with the rapid development of the town and the opening of the plant, the settlement changed its status and became a city. In 1781, it was already the center of the Olonets region, three years later - the center of the province.
At the turn of the century
With the receipt of the status of the center of the province in the history of Petrozavodsk, a new period began, characterized by the rapid development of all spheres of the city economy, economy, science, trade, transport, and culture.
In the twentieth century, the history of Petrozavodsk cannot be briefly told, on the other hand, the landmark events of the country became such for the city as well. These are revolutions, Civil, Finnish and Great Patriotic War.
Today Petrozavodsk is the largest city on the Karelian Peninsula; it has the status of the capital of Karelia and the administrative center of the Prionezhsky region.
