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 under the jurisdiction of Smolensk Okrug within Western Oblast. On August 1, 1930, okrugs were abolished, and districts became directly part of the oblast. In September 27, 1937, Western Oblast ceased to exist and was split between Oryol and Smolensk Oblasts.