Balashov is a Russian town located in the east suburb of Oka-Don Plain, on the Khoper River (inflow of Don), 226 km to the West of Saratov. It is a railway junction. Its territory is 71 sq km and population is of 82 227 people (as of 2010).

History of Balashov

The village of Balashovo was founded at the beginning of the 18th century and was named after its owner, the duke Ivan Balashov.

In 1780 the palace village of Balashovo was transformed into the Balashov district town of the Saratov Vicegerency, which became the Saratov Province in 1797.

In 1856 in the district town of Balashov of the Saratov Province had 3 churches, 739 houses, and 33 shops.

The town dwellers mostly traded in bread. After construction of the railroads at the end of the 19th century flour-grinding and grain production and the oil milling industry was developed in Balashov. In 1954-57 it was the center of Balashov District.