Krasnoufimsk

Krasnoufimsk stands on the Ufa River, among the western approaches to the Urals. It was founded in 1736 as Krasnoufimskaya fortress, intended to defend the region's industrial works from raids. Cossacks formed part of the settlement's early population, alongside townspeople and merchants. In 1781 it became the chief town of an uyezd. The Ufa River and unpaved roads provided the town's links with the surrounding country, while agriculture remained an important occupation.