Volgograd was founded in 1589 and originally called Tsaritsyn. It was designed as a fortress on Russia's south western region. Volgograd was conquered by Cossack Invaders in 1670. In the 19th century, the city became an important port for products. In 1925 the city was renamed Stalingrad.
History takes a unique spin in Volgograd. Many times life changing events such as wars, conquest, and true struggle have taken place in a very distant past, where its history is just a chapter in a book. Not so in Volgograd, one of World War II's epic struggles was here.
During this months long battle, Stalin ordered that the city be held regardless of the cost. After months of house to house fighting, German forces maintained some control of the city. In November 1942, two Soviet forces surrounded the Germans, and eventually forced their surrender in early 1943. This ended the German offensive and destroyed a substantial portion of the German army. 8 out of 10 German solders killed in World War II died fighting against the Red Army.
During the Battle of Stalingrad (Volgograd) at least one million Russians and 200,000 Germans were killed. After the battle, 90,000 German surrendered, of those, only 9,000 made it back to Germany.
Most of the World War II historical attractions in the city are centered around the Mother Russia monument. This sculpture was erected in 1967 and is taller than the Statue of Liberty.
It is located at the Mamayev Kurgan Museum, which was built as a memorial to the Battle of Stalingrad. Hero's Square is a section of the grounds that contains a large reflection pool, surrounded by 20 ft statues.
The Hall of Valour engraves the names of 7,000 who died defending this city. In the structure an immense uplifted hand holds the torch which bears in eternal flame.
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