city, central Ukraine. The city lies along the Dnieper River where it is crossed by the Kharkiv-Kirovohrad railway. Founded in 1571 as a fortress, Kremenchuk acquired city status in 1765. In the 20th century the city and the Kryukiv district across the river developed important metallurgical and engineering industries; products included steel castings, rolling stock, heavy trucks, and harvesters. Iron ore historically has been mined in the vicinity, and oil from the river's west-bank area has been refined. In 1959 a large hydroelectric station was completed just north of the city. Pop. (2001) 234,073; (2005 est.) 231,202.