Kryvyi Rih history

The history of Kryvyi Rih is a journey from a small Cossack settlement to one of the most important industrial centres in Ukraine. The city, whose development is inextricably linked to rich iron ore deposits, has several key stages in its history.

Foundation and First Mentions

The official founding date of Kryvyi Rih is considered to be April 27 (May 8, New Style), 1775. It was then that the first written mention of a postal station located "in Kryvyi Rih" on the tract connecting Kremenchuk with Kherson appeared in the documents of the Russian Empire. This name likely originated from the shape of the cape formed at the confluence of the Inhulets and Saksahan rivers. However, there is evidence that a settlement existed on this site even earlier: some sources point to the opening of the Church of St. Nicholas here as early as 1761. Initially, it was a small Cossack winter settlement.

Key Factors of Formation

A turning point in the city's history was the discovery of rich iron ore deposits. This process is inextricably linked with the name of the researcher and entrepreneur Alexander Pol.

• Geographical Location: The city was founded at the confluence of two rivers, the Inhulets and the Saksahan, which initially determined its strategic importance as a postal and transport point.
• Discovery of Iron Ore: In 1866, Alexander Pol discovered huge reserves of high-quality iron ore in the vicinity of Kryvyi Rih. This discovery became fateful for the future city.
• Industrial Boom: Thanks to the efforts of Pol, who attracted foreign capital—particularly French—industrial ore mining began in 1881. The construction of the Catherine Railway in 1884, which connected the Kryvbas with the Donbas, gave a powerful impetus to the development of metallurgy and turned Kryvyi Rih into a major industrial centre.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Before the start of industrial ore mining, Kryvyi Rih was a quiet township, having received this status in 1860. Its residents were primarily engaged in agriculture and trade. However, from the end of the 19th century, the appearance of the city changed radically. The rapid development of industry caused a swift population growth due to the influx of workers from various provinces. The city quickly urbanised, workers' settlements appeared, and its economy completely reoriented to the mining and metallurgical industries, laying the foundation for its future status as the "Iron Heart" of Ukraine.

Chronology of the History of Kryvyi Rih

The history of Kryvyi Rih is full of events reflecting its transformation from a small settlement into a powerful industrial centre. Here are the key stages of this journey:

• 1775 — The first official written mention of a postal station "in Kryvyi Rih" on the way from Kremenchuk to Kherson. This date is considered the founding year of the city.
• 1860 — Kryvyi Rih receives the status of a township within the Kherson Governorate, which was the first step towards its administrative growth.
• 1866 — Geologist and entrepreneur Alexander Pol discovers rich iron ore deposits in the vicinity of Kryvyi Rih, which predetermined the city's future.
• 1881 — Industrial mining of iron ore begins, launching the industrial development of the region. In the same year, the joint-stock company "Iron Ores of Kryvyi Rih" was founded.
• 1884 — The Catherine Railway opens, connecting the Kryvyi Rih iron ore and Donetsk coal basins, creating the basis for the development of metallurgy.
• 1919 — Kryvyi Rih receives the status of a district (uyezd) city within the Yekaterinoslav Governorate.
• 1931 — A decision is made to build a large metallurgical plant, the future "Kryvorizhstal" combine.
• 1934 — The first blast furnace "Komsomolka" is launched at the "Kryvorizhstal" plant, producing the first cast iron.
• February 22, 1944 — The city is liberated from Nazi troops, after which a period of large-scale restoration of destroyed industry and infrastructure began.
• 1950s — Construction begins on the Southern, and later the Northern and Central Mining and Processing Plants (GOKs), marking a new stage in the development of the mining industry.
• 1974 — Blast furnace No. 9 is commissioned at "Kryvorizhstal", which was the largest in the world at that time.
• 1986 — The first line of the fast tram (Metrotram), a unique transport system for Ukraine, is launched in the city.
• 2005 — The re-privatisation of the "Kryvorizhstal" combine takes place, becoming part of an international company now known as "ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih".

The history of Kryvyi Rih is a journey from a small postal station to one of the largest industrial centres in Ukraine. The city, whose development is inextricably linked to rich iron ore deposits, has passed through several key stages that determined its modern appearance and economic significance.

Major Milestones in the City's Development

• 1775 — Foundation of the Settlement. The official founding date is considered to be May 8, 1775, when a postal station was established on the tract connecting Kremenchuk and Kherson. This event marked the beginning of the formation of the future city in a strategically important location at the confluence of the Inhulets and Saksahan rivers.
• 1866 — Discovery of Iron Ore. A turning point in the city's history was the discovery of huge iron ore reserves by researcher Alexander Pol. This discovery predetermined the industrial future of the region, known today as the Kryvyi Rih Iron Ore Basin (Kryvbas).
• 1881–1884 — Beginning of the Industrial Era. In 1881, industrial ore mining began, and the construction of the Catherine Railway in 1884 linked the Kryvbas with coal basins and ports. This gave a powerful impetus to the development of metallurgy and turned Kryvyi Rih into a major industrial hub.
• 1919 — Obtaining City Status. As a result of rapid industrial growth and population increase, the former village officially received the status of a city.
• 1930s — Era of Industrialisation. During this period, the metallurgical giant "Kryvorizhstal" (today "ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih") was built, cementing the city's status as one of the most important centres of ferrous metallurgy.
• 1950–1970s — Post-War Reconstruction and Urban Planning. After the Second World War, the city was actively restored and expanded. New residential areas appeared, and the unique elongated structure of the city was formed, which is considered one of the longest in Europe.
• 1986 — Launch of the Fast Tram. A unique transport system was launched in the city—the Metrotram, which partially runs underground. This project became an important solution for transport connections in the elongated city and one of its hallmarks.

Architectural Development of Kryvyi Rih

The architectural appearance of Kryvyi Rih was formed under the influence of its status as a major industrial centre. Each historical era has left its mark on the city's buildings, from a unique local style to standard Soviet projects. The urban structure of the city is also unique: Kryvyi Rih stretches along the iron ore deposits, making it one of the longest cities in Europe.

Pre-Revolutionary Period: "Kryvyi Rih Stone Style" and Art Nouveau

Active construction in the city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was directly linked to the industrial boom. During this period, the unique "Kryvyi Rih Stone Style" was formed. Its distinct feature was the use of local materials in construction—rubble stone, iron ore, and quartzites, which were combined with red or white brick. In the historic part of the city, one can still find buildings constructed in this style today, for example, the revenue houses on the current Poshtovyi Avenue. Alongside this, buildings in the Art Nouveau style also appeared in the city, an example of which is the former building of the Azov-Don Commercial Bank.

Soviet Era: From Constructivism to Modernism

The Soviet period radically changed the appearance of Kryvyi Rih, passing through several key architectural stages.

• Constructivism (1920s – early 1930s): This avant-garde style, with its strict geometric shapes and functionality, reflected the new ideology. A vivid example of constructivism in the city is the "House of Red Professors", built for the intelligentsia. At the same time, ambitious urban planning projects were born, such as the "Sotsgorod" (Socialist City).
• Stalinist Empire (mid-1940s – mid-1950s): Post-war reconstruction took place under the sign of a monumental and pompous style, intended to symbolise grandeur and victory. In Kryvyi Rih, this style is represented by such iconic buildings as the former house of the "Dzerzhinskruda" trust and the rebuilt Taras Shevchenko Theatre.
• Soviet Modernism and Mass Construction (late 1950s – 1980s): In the era of combating "architectural excesses", the focus shifted to maximum cost reduction and speed of construction. This led to the mass erection of standard 5- and 9-storey panel buildings, known as "Khrushchyovkas" and "Brezhnevkas". It was during this period that large residential estates were built, which still make up a significant part of the city's housing stock today. The development of the city at this time was regulated by several master plans that attempted to organise its complex linear structure.

Urban Development

The main feature of Kryvyi Rih's urban development has become its linear structure. The city did not grow from the centre to the outskirts, but along the ore deposits, forming a chain of residential and industrial districts. This feature created transport difficulties and led to the disconnection of separate parts of the city. Master plans of the Soviet period were aimed at creating enlarged residential zones and a system of district centres to make the city more convenient for living.

Distinguished Personalities Linked to Kryvyi Rih

Kryvyi Rih, a major industrial centre, is also the birthplace of many talented and famous individuals who have left their mark on history, culture, politics, and sports.

Alexander Pol (1832–1890)

• Role: Entrepreneur, archaeologist, public figure.
• Significance: Considered the "founding father" of the industrial Kryvbas. In 1866, he discovered and began researching the rich iron ore deposits in the vicinity of Kryvyi Rih. His persistence in attracting capital and lobbying for the construction of the railway connecting the Kryvyi Rih and Donetsk basins launched the industrial boom that turned the city into a powerful industrial hub.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy (born 1978)

• Role: Statesman and political figure, actor, producer, screenwriter.
• Significance: Born and raised in Kryvyi Rih. Before his election as President of Ukraine in 2019, he gained wide fame as the founder and artistic director of the "Kvartal 95" studio, which began as a comedy team of the same name. His career is one of the most striking examples of a path from creative activity to the highest state office.

Olena Kravets (born 1977)

• Role: Actress, television presenter, producer.
• Significance: Born in Kryvyi Rih, where she began her creative career in comedy teams. She is one of the key and most recognisable actresses of the "Kvartal 95" studio, participating in numerous television projects and shows.

Alona and Kateryna Bondarenko (born 1984 and 1986)

• Role: Professional tennis players.
• Significance: Sisters born and raised in Kryvyi Rih who achieved significant success in the international tennis arena. Their main joint achievement was winning the doubles title at the Australian Open in 2008, which brought them world fame and became one of the brightest moments in the history of Ukrainian tennis.

Pavlo Hlazovyi (1922–2004)

• Role: Humorous poet, satirist.
• Significance: Although not born in Kryvyi Rih, a significant part of his life and creative development is connected with this city, where he studied at the mining technical college. He is the author of numerous humorous works and fables that have entered the golden fund of satirical literature.

Yevgeny Vesnik (1923–2009)

• Role: Theatre and film actor, theatre director.
• Significance: People's Artist of the USSR, whose childhood and youth were spent in Kryvyi Rih. He appeared in more than 80 films, including "Seven Old Men and a Girl", "The Adventures of Electronics", and "The Very Same Munchhausen". His bright and charismatic roles made him one of the beloved actors of cinema.