Chuhuiv

Chuhuiv stands on the Siverskyi Donets, on a frontier where wooded river valleys open onto the steppe. An early medieval settlement occupied the site, and by the late sixteenth century its hillfort was known as Chuhuieve. The town's later history grew from the movement of Ukrainian Cossacks and their families across the border into the Russian state.

In 1638, after an unsuccessful uprising against Polish rule, Cossacks led by Yakiv Ostrianyn were allowed to settle at the old hillfort and build a fortress against Tatar raids. Russian servicemen were also sent to help construct it. Relations between the settlers and the administration became strained by shortages, hunger and disputes. In 1641 many of the Cossacks rose in revolt, and Ostrianyn was killed. Chuhuiv remained a fortified centre of the southern frontier. In 1819 another uprising broke out among the military settlers living under the demanding system of military colonies.