The town was established in 1292 by the Teutonic Knights. In 1454, King
Casimir IV Jagiellon incorporated the territory to the
Kingdom of Poland upon the request of the anti-Teutonic
Prussian Confederation. After the subsequent
Thirteen Years' War (1454–1466), it became a part of Poland as a
fief held by the Teutonic Knights, and by
Ducal Prussia afterwards. The local church was consecrated in 1686. Lithuanian-language church services were held here. From 1701, it formed part of the
Kingdom of Prussia, and in 1819 it became seat of the Prussian Elchniederung district. In 1871 it became part of
Germany. In the late 19th century, it had a population of over 1,800, partially Lithuanian. (29% of the population). Two annual
fairs were held in the town in the late 19th century. ==Demographics==