The great Volga River gave life to more than one Russian settlement. The history of Cheboksary also began on the banks of this river and is inextricably linked with it. The first settlements in these places date back to the XIII-XIV centuries, as evidenced by archaeological finds.
But the date of foundation of Cheboksary is considered to be May 1469, according to the mention in the chronicle that has survived to this day. Moreover, at that time it was already a well-known settlement on the Volga route, the main inhabitants of which were the Chuvash and descendants of the Bulgars.
Beginning and flowering
A new period in the life of this settlement begins in 1555, when the Chuvash lands became part of the Russian kingdom. The history of Cheboksary is inextricably linked with the fortress, because this is the first building that appeared here. And although the Chuvash reacted quite peacefully to the Russian guests, the purpose of the foundation was to strengthen the eastern borders of the state.
Naturally, the convenient location of the settlement led to the expansion of the area of activity of the townspeople. In addition to the military, merchants, artisans, and clergy appeared here, that is, the fortress was turning into a rapidly developing city.
By the end of the 17th century, military significance faded into the background, trade was in the center, and the city became one of the important trade centers on the Volga. This period is also characterized by the active construction of religious buildings. The construction of residential buildings, public complexes, state and private merchant houses is also actively developing. This urban planning period becomes an important part of the history of Cheboksary, if we write about it briefly.
Cheboksary in the XIX – XX centuries
For many centuries, the main occupation of local residents was trade, and industry occupied an insignificant place - it was mainly associated with the domestic needs of the population of the city and its environs. The role of the city changed radically after the October Revolution. From a small settlement of five thousand inhabitants (at the beginning of the twentieth century), it turns into an important economic, commercial and cultural center.
In 1920 it became the administrative center of the Chuvash Autonomous Region, and in 1925-1992 it became the main city of the Chuvash Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. The population of the city is growing at a rapid pace, the development of industry was facilitated by the factories evacuated during the war. The development of Cheboksary continued after the end of the war.
