Arkhangelsk
Gateway to the Arctic and historic White Sea port.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Arkhangelsk, historically called in English Archangel and later Archangelsk, is the administrative center and largest city of Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia. It lies on both banks of the Northern Dvina River, near its mouth into the White Sea. The city spreads for over 40 km along the banks of the river and numerous islands of its delta. Arkhangelsk was the chief seaport of medieval and early modern Russia until 1703, when it was replaced by the newly founded Saint Petersburg. A 1133 km railway runs from Arkhangelsk to Moscow via Vologda and Yaroslavl, and air travel is served by the Talagi Airport and the smaller Vaskovo Airport. As of the 2021 Census, the city's population was 301,199.
- Founded
- 1584
- Population (2021 Census)
- 301,199
- Country
- Russia
- Known for
- Chief seaport of medieval and early modern Russia; major port for Allied aid in both world wars
- Administrative status
- Administrative center of Arkhangelsk Oblast and Primorsky District
Quick Facts
- En Name
- Arkhangelsk
- Map Label Position
- right
- Holiday
- Last Sunday of June
- Federal Subject
- Arkhangelsk Oblast
- Adm City Jur
- city of oblast significance of Arkhangelsk
- Inhabloc Cat
- City
- Urban Okrug Jur
- Arkhangelsk Urban Okrug
- Mun Admctr Of2
- Primorsky Municipal District
- Leader Title
- Head
- Leader Name
- Dmitry Morev
- Representative Body
- City Duma
- Area Km2
- 294.42
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The arms of the city display the Archangel Michael in the act of defeating the Devil. Legend states that this victory took place near where the city stands, hence its name, and that Michael still stands watch over the city to prevent the Devil's return. Vikings knew the area around Arkhangelsk as Bjarmaland. In 1989, an unusually impressive silver treasure was found by local farm workers by the mouth of Dvina, right next to present-day Arkhangelsk. Most of the findings comprised a total of 1.6 kg of silver, largely in the form of coins. In the 12th century, the Novgorodians established a monastery dedicated to Archangel Michael in the estuary of the Northern Dvina. In 1584, Ivan IV ordered the founding of New Kholmogory (which was later renamed after the nearby Archangel Michael Monastery). During the Time of Troubles, in December 1613, Arkhangelsk was besieged by Polish–Lithuanian Lisowczycy under Stanisław Jasinski, but the attackers failed to capture the fortified town. Major fires devastated Arkhangelsk in 1619 and again in 1637. In 1693, Peter the Great ordered the creation of a state shipyard in Arkhangelsk. In 1722, Peter the Great decreed that Arkhangelsk should no longer accept goods that amounted to more than was sufficient for the town. This decree was cancelled in 1762. The city resisted Bolshevik rule from 1918 to 1920 and was a stronghold of the anti-Bolshevik White Army. The White Army was supported by an Allied intervention. The Allied forces, led by British Lieutenant General Frederick Poole, suffered numerous set-backs and eventually withdrew from Russia. Without Allied support, the poorly disciplined White Army quickly collapsed and the Bolsheviks entered Arkhangelsk on February 21, 1920. Arkhangelsk was also the scene of the Mudyug concentration camp. During both world wars, Arkhangelsk was a major port of entry for Allied aid. During World War II, the city became known in West Europe as one of the two main destinations (along with Murmansk) of the Arctic convoys. During Operation Barbarossa, Arkhangelsk was one of two cities (the other being Astrakhan) selected to mark the envisioned eastern limit of German control. Arkhangelsk was also the site of Arkhangelsk ITL, or the Arkhangelsk Labour Camp, in the 1930s and 1940s. On March 16, 2004, 58 people were killed in an explosion at a nine-storey apartment building in the city.
Reader's Guide
Today, Arkhangelsk remains a major seaport, now open year-round due to improvements in icebreakers. The city is primarily a center for the timber and fishing industries.
Did You Know?
- Arkhangelsk was the chief seaport of medieval and early modern Russia until 1703.
- The city's coat of arms depicts the Archangel Michael defeating the Devil.
- A 1133 km railway runs from Arkhangelsk to Moscow via Vologda and Yaroslavl.
- Arkhangelsk was one of two cities (the other being Astrakhan) selected to mark the envisioned eastern limit of German control during Operation Barbarossa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Arkhangelsk?
Arkhangelsk, historically rendered in English as Archangel, is a city in northwestern Russia that serves as the administrative capital of Arkhangelsk Oblast. It sits on both banks of the Northern Dvina River where the waterway meets the White Sea.
What is Arkhangelsk's role?
For well over a century after its founding in 1584, Arkhangelsk functioned as Russia's primary seaport, handling the nation's maritime trade until Saint Petersburg assumed that position in 1703. The city also served as a critical gateway for Allied supply convoys during both World Wars.
How does Arkhangelsk's story end?
Its era as Russia's chief port closed in 1703 with the founding of Saint Petersburg, but the city never faded from relevance. Today it remains the largest settlement in Arkhangelsk Oblast, home to roughly 301,000 residents.
Why is Arkhangelsk important?
It was the main window through which medieval and early modern Russia conducted seaborne trade for well over a hundred years. Its strategic position on the White Sea also made it a vital lifeline for Allied aid shipments in both world wars.
Where is Arkhangelsk located?
The city occupies both banks of the Northern Dvina River in the far northwestern corner of Russia, right where the river flows into the White Sea. It is the administrative center of both Arkhangelsk Oblast and Primorsky District.
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