Arkhangelsk << ahr KHAHN gehlsk >> (pop. 301,199), is one of the largest far-northern cities in the world. It is also called Archangel << AHRK `ayn` juhl >>. Arkhangelsk lies about 140 miles (225 kilometers) below the Arctic Circle in Russia, where the Dvina River flows into the White Sea. The city extends about 25 miles (40 kilometers) along the shores of the islands in the river’s delta.
Arkhangelsk is a center for the lumber industry and a major port, though the harbor is frozen from November through May, and icebreakers must be used. The city’s port exports lumber, metals, and oil products. A railroad connects Arkhangelsk with Russian cities in the south.
Arkhangelsk was founded in 1583 as Novo-Kholmogory. Its Cathedral of the Archangel Michael was built between 1685 and 1699. The city declined during the 1700’s and 1800’s, but regained importance after the railroad was built in 1897. During World War II (1939-1945), Arkhangelsk was an important northern port for receiving supplies from the Allies.
