It originated as an important center of
saltworks, which supplied with salt not only Russia but also much of
Scandinavia. These saltworks were first mentioned in the testament of
Ivan Kalita as
Sol-Galitskaya (, lit.
salt of Galich). By the end of the 14th century, the saltworks passed to the family of
Dmitry Shemyaka, providing him with income required to wage prolonged wars for control of
Moscow. It was in 1450 that both Galich and Soligalich were finally seized by
Vasily II of the
Grand Duchy of Moscow. In the 16th century, the saltworks were exploited by the
Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius and five other monasteries. The settlement was repeatedly ravaged by
Kazan Tatars and
Udmurts. In 1609, Soligalich became a
voivode's seat. It was sacked by one of Polish units roaming Russia during the
Time of Troubles. In 1649, the wooden town was destroyed by fire. Towards the end of the 17th century, half a dozen churches were rebuilt in brick, surviving to the present day. In 1708, Soligalich became a part of
Archangelgorod Governorate. Seven decades later, separate
Kostroma Governorate was formed, with Soligalich as one of the
uyezd centers. ==Administrative and municipal status==