 It was known as a "pogost" before 1555, as a "posad" between 1555 and 1780, whereupon it was incorporated as a town of Vologda Viceroyalty.Velsk developed as a merchant town, having profited from its location on the Vaga and late on the road connecting Moscow and Arkhangelsk (which in the 17th century was the only major trade harbor in European Russia).Trade fairs were held in Velsk; the most important one was the St. Athanasius Trade Fair.