Krasnodar is situated on the Kuban River in southern Russia, and is the administrative center of Krasnodar Krai. Originally built by the Cossacks as a fortress to protect the Circassia region, it was initially named "Yekaterinodar." By the late 19th century, it had grown into a significant trade center in southern Russia. Following the Russian Civil War and the October Revolution, the city was renamed "Krasnodar," meaning "Red Gift."