Chekalin

Chekalin is a town in Tula Oblast, Russia, located on the left bank of the Oka River. It is one of the smallest towns in Russia by population.

History:

Chekalin was first mentioned in historical records in 1565 as the village of Likhvin (Лихвин). It served as a fortress on the southern border of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, protecting it from Crimean Tatar raids.

In 1777, Likhvin was granted town status and became the administrative center of Likhvinsky Uyezd in Kaluga Governorate.

In 1941, during World War II, the town was occupied by German forces. The occupation lasted until December 1941, when it was liberated by the Red Army.

In 1944, the town was renamed Chekalin in honor of Alexander Chekalin, a young Soviet partisan and Hero of the Soviet Union, who was executed by the Nazis in the vicinity.

Geography:

Chekalin is situated on the left bank of the Oka River, in a predominantly flat landscape.

Demographics:

As one of the smallest towns in Russia, Chekalin's population has been consistently low. Census data from various years indicates a declining population trend.

Administrative and Municipal Status:

Chekalin is an administrative center of Chekalinsky Rural Okrug in Suvorovsky District of Tula Oblast. Municipally, it is part of the rural settlement of Streleletskoye.