The name of the great Russian poet Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov is inextricably linked with Pyatigorsk, where his fateful quarrel with Major Martynov took place, ending in a duel and the poet's death. Thanks to the efforts of several generations of local guardians, the memory of Lermontov is immortalized in numerous city landmarks.

The world's first monument to Lermontov appeared in Pyatigorsk at the end of the 19th century. This became possible thanks to the initiative of Lieutenant Martyanov, the support of statesman Andrei Matveyevich Baikov, and the permission of Emperor Alexander II.

The idea of creating the monument was proposed in 1870, and the official fundraising began the following year. Subsequently, large-scale charitable events were organized, and within a few years, the necessary amount of 55,000 rubles was raised.

The competition for the selection of a sculptor started in 1881, and the project by Yaroslavl academician Opekushin, the author of the famous Pushkin monument in Moscow, was approved. The pedestal for the Lermontov monument in Pyatigorsk was created by ensign Tonetti.

The resulting masterpiece of visual art harmoniously blended into the local landscape. On the solemn opening of the monument on August 16, 1889, a multitude of people gathered. Among them were not only the residents of Pyatigorsk but also veterans of the Caucasian wars and students from the local gymnasium. Ataman Alexey Mikhailovich Smekalov of the Terek Cossack Army delivered a welcoming speech.

Many years have passed since then, and the monument has witnessed various events and upheavals. However, the memory of Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov continues to live in the hearts of new generations of his admirers.