The monument in Rybinsk was erected in honor of the 50th anniversary of the abolition of serfdom and the 30th anniversary of the tsar's death. Thanks to the abolition of serfdom, over 22 million Russians gained personal freedom and political rights. The Liberator Tsar was especially revered by Rybinsk merchants, many of whom came from freed peasants. On February 19, 1910, at the Public Club of Rybinsk, in the presence of more than a hundred people, a decision was made to create the first city monument to Emperor Alexander II.

The main initiator was Stepan Antonovich Buketov, who emphasized in his speech: "On February 19, 1911, it will be 50 years since the unforgettable words of the manifesto were spoken: 'Mark yourself with the cross of the Orthodox people and call upon God's blessing for your free labor.'

The former serfs did not hide their joy. Like on a bright holiday, people embraced, and tears of gratitude accompanied brotherly kisses in response to the gracious words of Emperor Alexander II.

However, prayers for the Liberator Tsar could not save him from death on March 1, 1881. Despite this, the Russian people did not forget him: monuments were erected across the country, and charitable societies were created in his honor, while portraits of him could be seen in the homes of peasants.

The Russian people deeply honor the memory of Emperor Alexander II. Shall we, the residents of Rybinsk, remain indifferent to the 50th anniversary of the event of February 19, 1861?

No, gratitude for the great Liberator Tsar also lives within us.

A report on this initiative was presented to Emperor Nicholas Alexandrovich, who wrote: "I sincerely thank everyone."

The monument was built with donations from the residents of Rybinsk and the surrounding areas, as well as Rybinsk residents living in other cities of Russia. The monument's design, created by the great sculptor Alexander Mikhailovich Opekushin, became his last work. Among his famous works are the monuments to A.S. Pushkin in Moscow and St. Petersburg, M.Yu. Lermontov in Pyatigorsk, and others. Many specialists consider the Rybinsk monument one of the sculptor's successes.

The height of the monument was over 8 meters, of which 4.5 meters were for the marble pedestal, and 3.5 meters for the bronze figure. The monument depicted the tsar in full growth, with a bare head, in a frock coat, holding a scroll of the manifesto. The pedestal was inscribed with words from the manifesto on the liberation of the peasants and a dedication to the Liberator Tsar.

Initially, the monument was planned to be unveiled in the year of the 300th anniversary of the House of Romanov, but the opening took place only in 1914. The ceremony was attended by students from Rybinsk schools, soldiers, and honored guests. This monument became one of the last royal monuments in pre-revolutionary Russia.

After the revolution, at Lenin's initiative, all monuments to Russian tsars were destroyed, except for the monument to Peter I. In 1918, the monument to Alexander II was toppled from its pedestal and replaced with a Soviet monument. First, a hammer and sickle were installed, and then a monument to Lenin.