In the 14th-15th centuries, during the colonization, it was a disputed territory between the Grand Duchy of Moscow and the Novgorod Republic. Novgorod controlled a major part of the Russian North, and, in particular, all areas along the Sukhona River northeast of what is now Nikolsky District.
During the 14th-15th centuries, during colonization, it was a contested territory between the Grand Duchy of Moscow and the Novgorod Republic. Novgorod controlled a significant portion of Northern Russia, particularly all areas along the Sukhona River northeast of what is now Nikolsky District.