The Western Dvina was one of the most important Eastern European waterways, and the area of the district was populated since prehistory, as indicated by archaeological evidence. In the beginning of the 14th century, it was included into the
Grand Duchy of Lithuania and remained there for around 150 years. In the 16th century, it went to the
Grand Duchy of Moscow. In 1581, in the course of the
Livonian War, it was transferred to
Poland, and stayed here until 1678, when the northern part of the area was transferred to Russia. In 1924, Vitebsk Governorate was abolished, and Velizhsky Uyezd was transferred to Pskov Governorate. On August 1, 1927, the uyezds were abolished, and
Oktyabrsky District was established, with the administrative center in the
selo of
Staraya Toropa. Pskov Governorate was abolished as well, and the district became a part of
Velikiye Luki Okrug of
Leningrad Oblast. The district center was subsequently moved to the settlement of Zapadnaya Dvina. On June 17, 1929, the district was transferred to
Western Oblast. On July 23, 1930, the okrugs were also abolished and the districts were directly subordinated to the oblast. On January 29, 1935
Kalinin Oblast was established, and Oktyabrsky District was transferred to Kalinin Oblast. In 1990, Kalinin Oblast was renamed Tver Oblast. On August 1, 1927
Ilyinsky District with the administrative center located in the
selo of
Ilyino was established as well. The district was a part of Velikiye Luki Okrug of Leningrad Oblast, and on June 17, 1929 with the rest of the okrug it was transferred to Western Oblast. On January 29, 1935 the district was transferred to Kalinin Oblast, on August 22, 1944 to Velikiye Luki Oblast, and on October 2, 1957 back to Kalinin Oblast. On January 12, 1960 Ilyinsky District was abolished and merged into Oktyabrsky District. ==Economy==