Kropyvnytsky more than 50 years ago: archival photos were shown online

Kropyvnytsky is not just the regional center of the Kirovohrad region, but also a city with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Founded in 1754, it has gone through numerous changes, retaining its importance in both the cultural and economic life of Ukraine.

For more than a hundred and fifty years, the city has witnessed and participated in important historical events. Today, Kropyvnytsky continues to develop, but many elements of its architecture and atmosphere still remind of the past.

OBOZ.UA offers to learn the history of the city's foundation and view archival photos taken more than 50 years ago.

History of the city of Kropyvnytsky

The city was founded in 1754 under the name Elisavetgrad in honor of Empress Elisaveta Petrivna. Due to its favorable location on the Ingul River, the city developed rapidly, becoming an important commercial and cultural center. In the 19th century, Yelisavetgrad became an important point on trade routes and also played a significant role during military campaigns of the time.

In the mid-nineteenth century, Kropyvnytsky experienced its "golden" age. Due to its strategic location and industrial development, the city became an important industrial center. However, its development was no less influenced by cultural events, among which the opening of the first Ukrainian professional theater in 1882, founded by Mark Kropyvnytsky, was particularly noteworthy.

Revolutions and the Soviet period

In the twentieth century, the city experienced periods of revolution and change. From the time of the First Revolutionary Events to the Soviet era, Kropyvnytsky underwent significant changes. During this period, it was part of the Ukrainian SSR and received a new name - Kirovohrad. The city developed in an industrial direction, but it also preserved its cultural heritage.

The period of independence and current changes

With the declaration of Ukraine's independence in 1991, Kropyvnytsky continued to develop, focusing on education, culture, and the economy. In 2016, the city was given its current name, Kropyvnytsky, in honor of the prominent Ukrainian figure Marko Kropyvnytsky. This was part of the decommunization process that was taking place across Ukraine.

Architectural heritage and modern look

The city, which has gone through significant changes in over 50 years, has preserved its unique architectural heritage. From historic buildings to modern architectural projects, Kropyvnytsky has witnessed many important stages of the city's development. Today, its streets preserve the memory of numerous generations, and in every corner you can find traces of the times when the city was a center of cultural and industrial progress.

Names of Kropyvnytsky

The city of Kropyvnytsky has changed its name several times throughout its history. Here are the main stages:

• Elisavetgrad, Elisavetgrad, Lysavetgrad, Lysavet - from February 10 (21), 1784 to September 5, 1924. The city received these names in honor of the Elizabethan fortress that was built at this time.
• Zinovievsk - from September 5, 1924 to December 27, 1934. The city was named after Hryhorii Zinoviev, a Soviet politician, but after his repression, this name became associated with a negative context, and the name of the city was often not mentioned or returned to the previous one, Yelisavethrad.

• Kirovo - from December 27, 1934 to January 10, 1939. The city was renamed in memory of Sergei Kirov, one of the leaders of the Soviet government.
• Kirovohrad - from January 10, 1939 to July 14, 2016. In connection with the formation of the Kirovohrad region, the city received the official name, which remained until the process of decommunization.
• Kropyvnytsky - from July 14, 2016, after the implementation of the decommunization process. The city was renamed in honor of the prominent Ukrainian actor, director and writer Marko Kropyvnytsky, which became a symbol of honoring Ukrainian cultural heritage.

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