Lappeenranta is in Finnish means “coast of the Lapps”. Founded in 1649 Swedish Queen Christina to strengthen the Eastern borders, the town initially was given the name Villmanstrand (“wild coast”). After the great Northern war ( 1701-1721.) were built earthen fortifications, erected shaft, installed the South gate. Thus, a city with a population of only 300 people and hundreds of soldiers becomes important status as a border fortress (Linnaeus”).

The war with Russia in 1741-43, led to the destruction of the city and killing its inhabitants, after which Villmanstrand became a Russian provincial town. In it lived for some time Suvorov, who oversaw the construction of the garrison buildings in the fortress. 1803) came to town Alexander I, and in 1885 and 1891 Alexander III.

1819-1881 in the fortress housed a prison for women convicted of infanticide. Here they had the opportunity to engage in weaving. Then the women's prison was transferred to another place, and until 1881. here detained men, and after the civil war – the “red” Finns. In memory of shot on the Northern walls of the memorial sign installed.

In the 50s of the twentieth century abandoned prison as a result of reconstruction of the city was demolished.