The village of Tosno was first mentioned in Russian chronicles in 1500. It was a part of Vodskaya Pyatina, one of the five pyatinas into which Novgorod Lands were divided. In the course of the administrative reform carried out in 1708 by Peter the Great, Tosno was included into Ingermanland Governorate. Its development in the 18th and 19th centuries was mainly due to its geographic locationon the road between the two Russian capitals. From 1774, it was a station at the yam route. In 1849, the railway connecting Tosno with St. Petersburg and Chudovo opened. In the 19th century, Tosno was a part of Tsarskoselsky Uyezd. On August 1, 1927, the uyezds were abolished and Kolpinsky District, with the administrative center in the town of Kolpino, was established. The governorates were also abolished and the district became a part of Leningrad Okrug of Leningrad Oblast. Tosno became a part of Kolpinsky District. On August 19, 1930, Kolpinsky District was abolished and Tosno became the administrative center of newly established Tosnensky District. On August 20, 1935, Tosno was granted urban-type settlement status. Between August 28, 1941 and January 26, 1944, during World War II, Tosno was occupied by German troops and largely destroyed, but rebuilt after the war. On February 1, 1963, Tosno was granted town status.
A plant owned by the Caterpillar in Tosno produces trucks for quarries. There are also several enterprises related to construction industry.
Transportation
The M10 Highway connecting Moscow to St. Petersburg and the Moscow–St. Petersburg Railway run through the town. A railway connecting Tosno with the settlement of Shapki branches off east. A railway shortcut connects Tosno with the railway between Mga and Gatchina and is used for trains to bypass Saint Petersburgfrom the south. Roads connect Tosno with Shapki and Mga in the east and with Lisino-Korpus and Vyritsa in the west.
Culture and recreation
The town contains seven objects classified as cultural and historical heritage of local significance. They commemorate events of World War II. Tosno hosts the Tosnensky District Museum, the only state museum in the district.
Sport
, the 2018 Russian Cup winner, is based in the town.
Notable people
Pavel Alandsky, Russian historian and academic, born in Tosno