Balashov (town)


Balashov is a town in Saratov Oblast, Russia, located on the Khopyor River. Population: It was previously known as Balashovo.

History

It has been known as the selo of Balashovo since the end of the 18th century. In 1780, it was granted town status and became known as Balashov.
Between 1954 and 1957, it was the capital of the Balashov Oblast of Russian SFSR.
In 1966, the A. A. Leonov School of Young Cosmonauts was opened here. Future pilots were trained in this school, and its pupils learned to fly an airplane

Administrative and municipal status

Within the framework of administrative divisions, Balashov serves as the administrative center of Balashovsky District, even though it is not a part of it. As an administrative division, it is incorporated separately as Balashov Town Under Oblast Jurisdiction—an administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts. As a municipal division, Balashov Town Under Oblast Jurisdiction is incorporated within Balashovsky Municipal District as Balashov Urban Settlement.

Military

It was home to the Balashov air base.

Geography

The town is located on the Khopyor River.

Climate

Balashov has a humid continental climate with long cold winters and warm, often hot summers.


Notable people