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Kherson and Taurida Governorates

Kherson (center — Kherson) and Taurida (center — Simferopol) governorates were formed in the late 18th — early 19th centuries on the lands of southern Ukraine that became part of the russian empire after the annexation of the lands of the Zaporozhian Host and the Crimean Khanate. Their geographical proximity determined common historical events, economic relations, and cultural life.

Overview

In the late 18th century, the russian empire annexed the Ukrainian lands of the Zaporozhian Host and the Crimean Khanate. From these territories, primarily, the vast Novorossiya Governorate was formed, which in October 1802 was divided into three governorates: Katerynoslav, Mykolaiv, and Taurida. As early as May 15, 1803, Mykolaiv Governorate was renamed Kherson Governorate, while Taurida Governorate encompassed the Crimean Peninsula and part of the mainland territories. With partial modifications, this administrative division existed for over a century.

Key Details / Subtopics

• Formation of Novorossiya Governorate: in the late 18th century, from the annexed lands of the Zaporozhian Host and the Crimean Khanate, the vast Novorossiya Governorate arose.
• Division of 1802: in October 1802, Novorossiya Governorate was divided into three governorates — Katerynoslav, Mykolaiv, and Taurida.
• Renaming of Mykolaiv to Kherson (1803): on May 15, 1803, Mykolaiv Governorate was renamed Kherson Governorate with its center in Kherson.
• Composition and territory of Kherson Governorate: stretched from the Dnieper to the Dniester and from the Ukrainian Forest-Steppe to the Black Sea; with minor changes it existed for over a century.
• Taurida Governorate and Crimea / Northern Taurida: center — Simferopol; included the Crimean Peninsula and part of mainland territories from the Left Bank of the Dnieper to the Black and Azov sea coasts. Modern Kherson Oblast completely includes the territory of the former Dnipro county (uyezd) and part of Melitopol county — traditional regions known as Northern Taurida, Taurida Krai.
• Shared history of the two governorates: the geographical proximity of Kherson and Taurida governorates long predetermined shared historical events, close economic ties, and cultural and spiritual affinity.
• Martial law (Crimean War): according to the tsarist Edict of November 19, 1853, martial law was declared in Kherson and Taurida governorates with subordination of civil authorities to military command.

Sources and Links

• Kherson and Taurida Governorates — main source on the formation and history of governorates in southern Ukraine.
• Kherson — city that became the center of Kherson Governorate, cradle of the Black Sea Fleet.
• Sea of Azov — Taurida Governorate covered the coastlines of the Black and Azov seas.
• Oleshshya (Kyivan Rus City) — Oleshshya was in the sphere of interests of Novorossiya, later Kherson Governorate, on the lands of southern Ukraine.
• Crimean Titan (Titanium Plant, Armiansk) — Armiansk and Perekop were part of Taurida Governorate, whose history is described in a related article.
• Crimean (Eastern) War of 1853–1856 in Kherson Region — Crimean War unfolded on the territory of Kherson and Taurida governorates.
• Bilohirsk — former Karasubazar; Crimean Khanate, whose transition under russian protectorate was secured by the Treaty of Karasubazar (1772), subsequently became part of Taurida Governorate.
• Cossack Cemetery Near Perekop — Cossack cemetery on the shore of Syvash near Perekop, on the territory of the former Taurida Governorate.
• State Archives of Kherson Oblast (DAKhO) — main archival institution preserving the holdings of Kherson Governorate.