Vetluzhsky District is located in the northern part of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. To the east the district borders Shakhunskiy District, to the south — Varnavinskiy District and Urenskiy District of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, and to the west and north — Kostroma Region.
History of the District's Founding
The Vetluga land has a rich historical past. The city of Vetluga traces its origins to the village of Shulepnikovo, first mentioned in historical records in 1686. Later, at the beginning of the 18th century, the village was renamed Verkhnee Voskresenskoe. On September 5, 1778, by imperial decree of Empress Catherine II, the village was granted the status of a district town — Vetluga of Kostroma Governorate.
From 1779, Vetluga was the center of one of the most extensive districts of Kostroma Governorate. It encompassed what are now districts of Kostroma Region: Pyshchugsky, Sharinsky, Ponazurevsky, and Tonshaevsky, as well as Shakhunskiy, Vetluzhskiy, and part of Varnavinskiy District of Nizhny Novgorod Region. The entire life of the population was bound up with the forest, which occupied 80% of the district's total area. Forest trades fed many generations of Vetluga residents. Charcoal, tar, honey, furs, bast and cooperage goods were in great demand. At the same time, crafts flourished, including pottery and carpentry. Trade was encouraged by annual fairs — the Annunciation Fair and the Frolovsky Fair, held in spring and autumn respectively, drawing merchants from the Volga River, the Vyatka River, and even the Don River.
The heyday of pre-revolutionary Vetluga came at the beginning of the 20th century: a provincial district town, commercial and merchant in character, with established traditions and customs; rebuilt almost from scratch and beloved by its residents, the majority of whom were craftsmen. From 1922, Vetluga became a district center of Gorky Region.
Coat of Arms of Vetluga
Approved on March 29, 1779. Description: In the upper field is the Kostroma coat of arms (except that the galley is depicted from the stern, with lanterns and lowered ladders); below, in a silver field, is a bush of the vetla tree (white willow), reflecting the city's name.
Economy
Today Vetluga is a district center of Nizhny Novgorod Region, known for its developed timber and food industries. Grain, flax, and potatoes are grown in Vetluzhsky District. Cattle and pigs are raised here as well.
Sights
A separate category of culturally, historically, and environmentally significant sites comprises the estate parks of Vetluzhsky District dating from the mid-19th century.
The Styussi Estate Park (village of Belyaevka) — across an area of 2 hectares, the park's original layout has been preserved in the form of two large clearings separated by alleys: a birch alley running north to south, and a linden alley running west to east. The park is rich in conifers that beautifully frame the clearings — cedars, pines, firs, and spruces — with an oak at least 200 years old at its center.
The Verkhovskikh Estate Park (village of Morozikha) — bright birch groves neighbored by dark spruce-pine stands, alongside strictly formal compositions of linden and larch avenue plantings. The park's crowning feature is its main avenue, 250 meters long, lined with larches over 100 years old.
The Meshchersky-Berdnikov Estate Park (selo of Belyshevo) — the park covers 7 hectares, with trees over 150 years old. In the past, the park was adorned by a cascade of four ponds. The park retains ancient specimens of western arborvitae, larch, pine, fir, and oak.
Notable Springs and Water Sources
The Springs of Elder Gerasim. Located in the village of Pustosh. History: Near the springs lies a cave where, according to legend, Elder Gerasim once lived. He healed those who came to him through prayer and lamp oil. In two ravines there are seven springs whose waters are said to have miraculous curative properties. In recent years a bathhouse with icons and an oil lamp has appeared by the springs. Over the years — dating back to the late 19th century — thousands of people have made pilgrimages to Pustosh.
How to get there: There are two options: take a bus from Kanavinsky Bus Station to Vetluga, or take a commuter train to [[Uren|Uren]], and then a scheduled bus to Vetluga. The village of Pustosh can be reached by bus from Vetluga, followed by a three-kilometer walk. All who have come to this spring have found healing here — some physical, some spiritual.