Origins





Vasilyevsky Island began to become populated in the beginning of the 18th century. Peter the Great envisioned a series of canals reminiscent of Amsterdam in the eastern section of the island. French architect, Alexander Jean Baptiste LeBlond, was chosen to design the layout of the canals. A series of parallel streets and intersecting canals was decided upon. The canals were all to be at least wide enough for two boats to pass each other. After the plan was set, Peter had to leave the country for some time. Control of the city was entrusted to his close friend Prince Menshikov. Menshikov owned much of Vasilyevsky Island, and the canal plans would take part of his land from him. Not willing to directly challenge Peter, Menshikov took control of the construction of the canals. They were constructed both narrow and shallow. Peter returned to find a series of woefully narrow canals completed. Enraged, Peter called on a Dutch resident of St. Petersburg to confirm the actual width of Amsterdam canals. He found that a single Amsterdam canal was wider than a Vasilyevsky canal and neighboring street put together. Peter asked LeBlond if there was anything to be done. "Raze, sir, raze," was his reply. Disappointed, and upset, Peter gave up his dream of a city of canals in St. Petersburg. The only remnants of the canals are in the layout of the streets in eastern Vasilyevsky Island. A series of numbered "lines" represent former canals. Peter continued to promote settlements on Vasilyevsky Island. In 1719, he ordered that between 700 and 1,000 large masonry buildings should be built. Given the means of construction it was unrealistic to expect any more than thirty large buildings to be constructed so quickly. However unrealistic, such an order represents Peter's lofty dreams for the future of Vasilyevsky Island. Over time, however, the city continued to develop more and more on the mainland. The islands were subject to severe flooding, and at this time there were no bridges. Travel between the mainland and the islands was conducted by peasant manned ferries. These ferries were particularly treacherous when the Neva was half frozen.

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