Vorontsov Mikhail

Vorontsov Mikhail (1782-1856), Russian statesman, field-marshal. Born in St. Petersburg, M. Vorontsov spent his childhood and youthful years with his father in London, where he acquired excellent education. In 1844–1854 he served as a Viceroy of the Caucasus and a Commander-in-Chief of Caucasian Special Corps. He participated in the battles against Shamil. M. Vorontsov turned out to be a flexible and smart administrator. He endeavored to implement Russian imperial guidelines in all spheres of public and political life. He accomplished his goal step by step, thanks to his flexible policy and particular cultural actions. He supported various initiatives of Georgian society: on the one hand, he served the cause of colonizing the Caucasus and its complete integration into the Russian Empire and on the other hand, his activity favored the revival of cultural life in Tbilisi. M. Vorontsov was conducive to the rebirth of Georgian Theater in Tbilisi, setting up of educational institutions, founding of newspaper Кавказ (Caucasus), establishing of public library and Caucasian Geographic Society. In the years of Vorontsov’s administration, intensive urban development of Tbilisi was initiated. They built the bridge of St. Michael (Vorontsov bridge), laid out a city square, etc. He practiced to send the children of local nobility to the Russian higher education institutions. Unlike other Russian functionaries, M. Vorontsov was characterized by his profound education, foresight and certain liberalism. ‘Count Vorontsov’s Archive’ is kept at the archive-keeping offices of Moscow, Petersburg, Odessa and other places.

M. Vorontsov resigned in 1853 for health reasons and he left Tbilisi.

M. Vorontsov died in Odessa. He was buried at the Cathedral of Transfiguration in Odessa.