The historian Vasily Tatischev credited the founding of Kostroma to Prince Yuri Dolgoruky - a 12th century prince of Rostov-Suzdal and then grand prince of Kiev. Dolgoruky is famous for founding many other Russian cities, including Moscow. This statue depicts Dolgoruky sat in a chair holding out his arm, as Dolgoruky means the Long-Armed, a sobriquet he earned due to his decision to rule Kiev from afar. It was unveiled in 2003 on the 850th anniversary of the city.