Nikolai Muravyov-Amursky, a general of infantry, left a significant mark in the history of Russia as one of the initiators of the expansion of Russian territories in Siberia. He played an important role in the return of the Amur River, which had been ceded to China in 1689, and became one of the founders of Vladivostok.

In the winter of 1848, Muravyov was appointed governor-general of Eastern Siberia, which predetermined his future role in the development of the Far East. Even before his departure to Siberia, he secured the support of Captain Nevelskoy, who explored the mouths of the Amur and Sakhalin Island. These expeditions confirmed the feasibility of using the mouth of the Amur for maritime vessels and raised the question of the need for further development of the region.

In St. Petersburg, the idea of a "systematic capture" of the Amur region was discussed, which opened a direct route to Kamchatka and allowed for the transfer of troops there. In 1854, Muravyov-Amursky was authorized to negotiate with China regarding the eastern border and to carry out the transportation of troops along the river. This transportation took place that same year, and a year later, the first Russian settlers appeared at the mouth of the Amur.

Negotiations with China lasted a long time, but ultimately the Aigun Treaty was signed, which established the Amur River up to its mouth as the border between Russia and China. For successfully resolving this issue, Nikolai Nikolaevich was granted the title of Count of Amur and the rank of general of infantry. Later, the Beijing Treaty was concluded, which secured the Ussuri region and southern ports for Russia.

An interesting fact from Muravyov-Amursky's biography: he proposed projects for the construction of the Great Siberian Railway to the sovereign three times, but was refused due to high costs. However, 20 years later, construction began and was completed after his death. Today, it is hard to imagine life without the Trans-Siberian Railway.