Journey back to 1775. Imagine the clatter of horse-drawn carriages along the dusty road between St. Petersburg and Moscow. Here, at Верстовой столб 12/12 км, a cast-iron milestone stands as a testament to this historic route. Верстовой столб 12/12 км, meaning milestone 12/12 km, isn’t just a marker. It’s a window into Imperial Russia. These milestones, or “versts,” measured distances along major roads. One verst equaled roughly 1.06 kilometers. Originally placed near Okulovka station on the St. Petersburg-Moscow line, Верстовой столб 12/12 км was later moved to Marshal Govorov’s Garden. The inscription “12/12” indicates its position along the route. This five-meter-tall obelisk has witnessed centuries of change. It saw the rise and fall of empires. It felt the tremors of revolution and war. Today, amidst the tranquility of the garden, Верстовой столб 12/12 км offers a tangible connection to Russia’s past. It whispers stories of travelers. It speaks of a time when journeys were long and arduous. Stand before Верстовой столб 12/12 км. Let its silent presence transport you to a bygone era. Feel the weight of history etched in its iron form.
М. К. Прудников
Born into a peasant family in 1913, Mikhail Prudnikov’s journey began in a small village nestled within the Tomsk Governorate.