Godunov builds the fortress of Tsaryovokokshaysk in 1584 on the site of present Yoshkar-Ola, founded in 1578 on the Malaya (Little) Kokshaga River in western Russia, but the town’s remoteness from lines of communication prevents any development.

Today the capital of the Mari El Republic, it has a population of 281,165 (2002 Census), which is slowly increasing as people from neighboring areas move to the city.