Romanov

Romanov stood on the Volga opposite Borisoglebsk. Rebuilt by Prince Roman Vasilyevich in the mid-fourteenth century, it became the center of a small principality before passing into the orbit of Moscow. Grand Princess Maria Yaroslavna strengthened its defenses in 1468 with a new kremlin, ramparts, a ditch and towers. The wooden fortifications survived until a fire in 1622. In 1491, following the arrest of her son Andrei of Uglich, the town passed definitively to the Moscow prince.

In 1563 Ivan IV granted Romanov and nearby settlements to Nogai nobles for their service. A register of 1593–1594 records a Tatar sloboda with the households of the murzas and their service Tatars. During the Time of Troubles, forces loyal to the Tushino claimant occupied the town; Nikita Vysheslavtsev's militia took it in 1609. Romanov later became known for river vessels and trade. In 1822 it was united with Borisoglebsk across the Volga to form Romanov-Borisoglebsk.