The district belonged to Smolensk Okrug of Western Oblast. On August 1, 1930 the okrugs were abolished, and the districts were subordinated directly to the oblast. On 27 September 1937 Western Oblast was abolished and split between Oryol and Smolensk Oblasts.
The district was part of Smolensk Okrug in Western Oblast. On August 1, 1930, okrugs were eliminated and districts became directly subordinate to the oblast. In September 27, 1937, Western Oblast ceased to exist and was divided between Oryol and Smolensk Oblasts.