SMOLENSK, the capital of the above government, on the right bank of the Dnieper, which is here crossed by a wooden bridge, 230 miles W. by S. of Moscow. It is surrounded by a strong, thick, and lofty wall, about two miles in circuit, but out of repair in some places, and is also defended by a citadel. Smolensk is one of the most ancient towns in Russia; but, as it was destroyed during the French invasion, and rebuilt since that time, it presents few marks of its high antiquity. It is now regularly laid out, and for the most part well built of stone. The public buildings are numerous, and many of them handsome. The most remarkable are two cathedrals, built in the twelfth century, one of which contains a bell weighing about 17 tons. There are numerous other Greek churches, a convent, a Roman Catholic, and a Lutheran church, several schools, and charitable institutions. Linen, leather hats, and soap are manufactured here, and an active trade is carried on. Smolensk is the see of a bishop, the seat of a military and civil governor, courts of law, and public offices. In the principal square stands a cast-iron monument to commemorate the great battle fought under the walls, August 17, 1812, in which, after being thrice repulsed, the French
succeeded in entering the town. Smolensk seems to have existed as far back as the ninth century. It was for several hundred years an object of contention between the Lithuanians, Poles, and Russians; but since 1654 it has been in the possession of Russia. Pop. (1850) 10,792.