Novokuznetsk history

The history of Novokuznetsk, one of the oldest cities in Siberia, begins in the 17th century with the exploration of rich Siberian lands by Russian pioneers. The city has come a long way from a small military fortification to a major industrial centre.

Foundation and City Status

The founding date is considered to be 1618, when a detachment of servicemen established the Kuznetsk Ostrog (fort). Initially, it was located at the confluence of the Kondoma and Tom rivers, but in 1620 it was moved to the high right bank of the Tom River for better defence. The fort owes its name to the local tribes, whom the Russians called "Kuznetsky people" (blacksmiths) for their skill in smelting and processing iron. Kuznetsk received city status in 1689, becoming an important administrative and military point on the south-eastern borders of the Russian state.

Key Development Factors

The growth and formation of the city were driven by several factors:

• Strategic Position: Kuznetsk served as a fortress protecting against raids by nomadic tribes and strengthening the Russian presence in the region.
• Natural Resources: The lands around the city were rich in ore and timber, which determined its "metallurgical" specialisation from the very beginning.
• Administrative Centre: From 1622, Kuznetsk became the centre of the vast Kuznetsk district, which contributed to its development as a hub for management and trade.

Early Economic and Cultural Features

In the 17th–19th centuries, Kuznetsk developed as a typical Siberian district town. Its economy was based on agriculture, crafts, the fur trade, and commerce. Metallurgical traditions, established by indigenous peoples, continued to develop. Despite its remoteness, the city had its own vibrant life: churches were built, such as the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral (1621) and the Odigitrievsky Church (1676), and an image of a horse appeared on the city seal from 1684. By the beginning of the 20th century, Kuznetsk remained a small provincial town, but its fate was radically changed by the industrialisation of the 1930s, which gave rise to modern Novokuznetsk.

Key Dates in the History of Novokuznetsk

From a Cossack fort to a powerful industrial hub, the history of Novokuznetsk reflects key stages in the development of Siberia and the industrial growth of the country. Here is a brief chronology of the most important events in the life of the city.

• 1618 — The Kuznetsk Ostrog is founded to protect the southern borders of Siberia and collect tribute from the local population.
• 1620 — The fort is moved to the high right bank of the Tom River, ensuring a more advantageous strategic position.
• 1689 — Kuznetsk officially receives city status, becoming the administrative and military centre of a vast district.
• 1800 — Construction begins on the stone Kuznetsk Fortress, a monument of fortification art, for protection against potential threats from Qing China.
• February 6, 1857 — The wedding of the writer Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky and Maria Dmitrievna Isaeva takes place in the Odigitrievsky Church of Kuznetsk.
• 1929 — Construction begins on the Kuznetsk Metallurgical Combine (KMK), a grandiose project of the first Five-Year Plan that defined the industrial future of the city.
• July 3, 1931 — The workers' settlement of Sad-gorod near the KMK construction site is transformed into the city of Novo-Kuznetsk.
• May 5, 1932 — Historic Kuznetsk and the new Novo-Kuznetsk are merged into one city, which receives the name Stalinsk.
• 1941–1945 — During the Great Patriotic War, the city became a forge of victory, supplying armour steel to the front for every second T-34 tank and thousands of aircraft.
• November 5, 1961 — During the de-Stalinisation period, the city was returned its historic, albeit updated, name — Novokuznetsk.
• July 1, 1981 — For great services to the industrialisation of the country and contribution to the victory in the war, Novokuznetsk was awarded the Order of the October Revolution.
• 1998 — A new, sixth district, the Novoilyinsky District, is officially formed within the city, reflecting continued urban growth.
• July 2, 2020 — By Decree of the President of Russia, Novokuznetsk is awarded the honorary title "City of Labour Valour" for the contribution of its residents to achieving Victory.

The development of Novokuznetsk is a story of rapid transformations that turned a provincial Siberian town into one of the largest industrial centres in Russia. These key milestones reflect economic and social changes in the country.

Industrial Leap: Construction of KMK

The decision to build the Kuznetsk Metallurgical Combine (KMK) in 1929 was a turning point in the city's history. This grandiose construction project of the first Five-Year Plan attracted thousands of people from all over the country and gave life to a new city — Novo-Kuznetsk, which was later merged with old Kuznetsk and renamed Stalinsk. The development of the left-bank part according to a unified plan by the German architect Ernst May laid the foundations for the modern urban appearance. The city became one of the first "socialist cities" in the country.

War Years: "The Forge of Victory"

During the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, the city, then named Stalinsk, made an invaluable contribution to the victory. Metallurgists mastered the production of armour steel in the shortest possible time. Every second T-34 tank and every second combat aircraft were manufactured using Novokuznetsk armour. This labour feat forever secured the title of "The Forge of Victory" for the city and was later marked by the assignment of the honorary title "City of Labour Valour".

Post-War Expansion: Birth of Zapsib

A new stage of industrial growth began in 1956 with the decision to build the West Siberian Steel Plant (Zapsib). This all-union shock Komsomol construction project led to the appearance of another industrial giant and a new residential area — the Zavadskoy district. Zapsib produced its first cast iron in 1964, and in 1971 the plant was awarded the Order of Lenin. The construction of the second metallurgical combine confirmed Novokuznetsk's status as the largest metallurgical centre of the USSR.

Formation of the Cultural Environment

Parallel to industrial development, cultural development also proceeded. Although many historical buildings of old Kuznetsk were lost, new centres of attraction were created during the Soviet period. The Palace of Culture "Aluminschick" (1960), the Art Museum (1961), a circus, and an ice palace appeared. A network of libraries and cinemas developed, and the unique architectural appearance of Metallurgov and Kurako avenues was formed. These objects became an important part of city life.

Modern Look and Development

In the 1970s, a general plan was approved, according to which priority in development was given to Kirov Avenue, and the new Novoilyinsky district began to be actively built up. It was officially formed in 1998. In the post-Soviet period, despite economic difficulties, the city preserved its industrial potential. An important milestone was the restoration of a historical monument — the Kuznetsk Fortress, the renovation of which was completed in 1997. Today, Novokuznetsk continues to develop, combining the power of an industrial centre with a rich historical heritage.

The architectural appearance of Novokuznetsk is a true chronicle of 20th-century urban planning ideas. The city, which grew out of an industrial project, has become a kind of open-air museum where one can trace the change of eras and styles — from pre-revolutionary buildings to modern experiments. Each period has left its unique mark on the layout of streets and the appearance of buildings.

Pre-Revolutionary Period and Classicism

Little remains of old Kuznetsk, the district Siberian town. The most significant monument of that era is the Kuznetsk Fortress, construction of which began in 1800. It is an example of Russian Classicism in fortification architecture. Also in the historical part of the city, one can find individual stone houses of the 19th century, for example, the Treasury building, executed in the spirit of Siberian Baroque with elements of Classicism. However, the main architectural code of the city was established in the Soviet era.

The Era of Constructivism: 1930s

The birth of industrial Novokuznetsk (then Stalinsk) is associated with the avant-garde style of Constructivism. The construction of the left-bank part of the city was carried out according to plans developed under the leadership of the German architect Ernst May. The goal was to create an ideal "socialist city" with rational planning. Vivid examples of this style include:

• The KMK Administration Building (1931) — a monumental structure designed by architect A. D. Kryachkov, considered an outstanding monument of Constructivism.
• Residential development on Enthusiasts Avenue and Khitarov Street, where row housing was used — houses were positioned with their ends facing the street for better sunlight exposure.
• "Shock-workers' House" (25 Metallurgov Ave.) — a large residential building of the pre-war period, in the details of which traces of Constructivism can still be seen.

Stalinist Empire: 1940s – 1950s

The post-war period brought with it a new monumental style known as Stalinist Empire or Soviet Neoclassicism. Architecture became more solemn and symmetrical, with rich decor, columns, and mouldings. This style defined the appearance of the city's central thoroughfares:

• Metallurgov Avenue and Kurako Avenue — their ensemble development is the calling card of the city. The buildings here are distinguished by their grandeur and compositional integrity.
• Houses on 25 Years of October Street — a fine example of Stalinist Empire style with columns, galleries, and rotundas, creating the atmosphere of European classical development.
• Residential house at 39 Metallurgov Avenue, known as the "Theatrical" house, with its open gallery of 32 columns, is one of the most striking representatives of this style.

Soviet Modernism and Mass Development: 1960s – 1980s

From the late 1950s, "architectural excesses" were replaced by Functionalism and industrial housing construction. The main task was to provide the population with housing, which led to the appearance of typical panel micro-districts. During this period, the Zavadskoy and Novoilyinsky districts were built up. The architecture became extremely concise, devoid of decor, but it was this style that formed the appearance of most of the residential areas of modern Novokuznetsk.

Modern Period

Since the 1990s, the architecture of Novokuznetsk has become more diverse. New shopping and business centres made of glass and concrete have appeared, as well as modern residential complexes with individual layouts, such as the "Planeta" and "Clever" complexes. At the same time, attention is being paid to preserving heritage: the Kuznetsk Fortress has been restored, and the facades of some buildings in the "Stalinist Empire" style are being returned to their historical appearance. New forms of street art are also appearing in the city, such as artistic miniatures on building facades, adding uniqueness to the urban landscape.

Notable Figures in the History of Novokuznetsk

The history of Novokuznetsk, from ancient Kuznetsk to the modern industrial centre, is closely intertwined with the destinies of many outstanding people. Writers, scientists, artists, and athletes have left a noticeable mark on the life of the city and the entire country.

• Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821–1881) — The great Russian writer. Although Dostoevsky did not live in Kuznetsk permanently, the city played a key role in his personal life. On February 6, 1857, his wedding to Maria Dmitrievna Isaeva took place in the Odigitrievsky Church of Kuznetsk. This dramatic period of the writer's life was reflected in his work and forever linked his name with the history of the city.
• Mikhail Konstantinovich Kurako (1872–1920) — An outstanding metallurgical engineer and founder of the school of Russian blast furnace operators. He developed a project for the construction of a large metallurgical plant in Kuzbass. Although Kurako himself did not live to see its implementation, he died and was buried in Kuznetsk; his ideas and drawings formed the basis for the creation of the Kuznetsk Metallurgical Combine. One of the central streets of Novokuznetsk bears his name.
• Ivan Pavlovich Bardin (1883–1960) — Academician, metallurgical engineer, and one of the main creators of the Kuznetsk Metallurgical Combine. Under his leadership in the 1930s, the grandiose construction project was implemented, turning the city into an industrial giant. Bardin was not only a brilliant engineer but also an organiser who laid the foundations of the metallurgical industry of Siberia.
• Vladimir Vladimirovich Mayakovsky (1893–1930) — The famous Futurist poet. He never visited Kuznetsk, but his poem "The Story of Khrenov about Kuznetskstroi and the People of Kuznetsk" became a true anthem to the enthusiasm of the builders of the new city. The famous lines "I know — the city will be, I know — the garden will bloom, when such people exist in the Soviet land!" immortalised the labour feat of the people of Novokuznetsk and became a symbol of the birth of industrial Novokuznetsk.
• Grigory Ekimov (1909–1944) — KMK steelworker, Hero of the Soviet Union. His biography is an example of labour and military heroism. Before the war, he worked at the Kuznetsk Metallurgical Combine, and in 1942 he went to the front. For courage and heroism displayed in battles, he was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
• Georgy Mikhailovich Grechko (1931–2017) — Pilot-cosmonaut of the USSR, twice Hero of the Soviet Union. During the Great Patriotic War, as a child, he was evacuated from Leningrad and lived for some time in Stalinsk (Novokuznetsk). This fact of his biography connects the name of the famous space conqueror with the city.
• Vladimir Lvovich Mashkov (born 1963) — People's Artist of Russia, famous actor and director of theatre and cinema. His childhood and youth were spent in Novokuznetsk, where his parents worked in the "Skaz" puppet theatre. Mashkov considers Novokuznetsk his small homeland and still maintains ties with the city, participating in its cultural life.
• Sergei Andreyevich Bobrovsky (born 1988) — World-famous ice hockey player, goaltender, Stanley Cup winner and two-time Vezina Trophy winner. He is a graduate of the Novokuznetsk hockey school and began his professional career at the local club "Metallurg". One of the ice arenas in the city bears Bobrovsky's name.