Kherson Ukraine (city)

Kherson Ukraine (city) overview

Kherson is a city and administrative center of Kherson oblast, southern Ukraine. Kherson lies on the right (west) bank of the lower Dnieper River, about 15 miles (25 km) from the latter's mouth. Kherson population is about 389 000 (2002 est.).

Kherson Ukraine (city) history

Kherson was founded in 1778 by the military leader and statesman Grigory Potemkin as a fortress to protect the newly acquired Black Sea frontage of Russia. Kherson became the first Russian naval base and shipyard on the Black Sea. Before Kherson there was a Russian settlement which existed since 1737.

Kherson was named after ancient Khersones. One of the leaders of building ships for the Black Sea fleet from 1783 till 1785 was Russian naval commander F.F.Ushakov. From 1787 till 1791 A.V.Suvorov headed the construction of fortifications in Kherson. Since 1803 Kherson is administrative center of Kherson guberniya. In early 19th century Kherson became a significant commercial port. Soviet power was established in Kherson in 1918.

Kherson Ukraine (city) economy

Modern Kherson remains a major shipbuilding center. Kherson has a combine-building plant. Also Kherson has engineering, oil-refining, and cotton-textile industries.

Kherson Ukraine (city) main attractions

Kherson has teacher-training and agricultural institutes and a research institute of irrigation agriculture.