The selo of Kamenka, the predecessor of Kuvshinovo, was first mentioned in 1646. In the course of the administrative reform carried out in 1708 by Peter the Great, it was included into Ingermanlandia Governorate, and in 1727 Novgorod Governorate split off. In 1775, Tver Viceroyalty was formed from the lands which previously belonged to Moscow and Novgorod Governorates, and the area was transferred to Tver Viceroyalty, which in 1796 was transformed to Tver Governorate. Kamenka belonged to Novotorzhsky Uyezd. In the 18th century, a paper mill was opened close to Kamenka. In 1869, merchant Mikhail Kuvshinov bought the mill and considerably expanded it. The mill became known as the Kuvshinov Paper Mill. In 1912, a railway from Torzhok was completed, and the new station next to Kamenka was opened. The station was named Kuvshinovo, after the mill. Eventually, a settlement around the station developed, also with the name Kuvshinovo. On 1 October 1929, governorates and uyezds were abolished, and Kamensky District with the administrative center in Kuvshinovo was established. It belonged to Rzhev Okrug of Western Oblast. On August 1, 1930 the okrugs were abolished, and the districts were subordinated directly to the oblast. On January 29, 1935 Kalinin Oblast was established, and Kamensky District was transferred to Kalinin Oblast. In 1938, the selo of Kamenka and the settlement of Kuvshinovo were merged into the town of Kuvshinovo. In February 1963, during the abortive administrative reform by Nikita Khrushchev, Novotorzhsky, Likhoslavlsky, and Kamensky Districts were merged into a new district which was called Torzhoksky District. On January 12, 1965 Kuvshinovsky District was re-established. In 1990, Kalinin Oblast was renamed Tver Oblast.
The main industry branch in Kuvshinovo is paper production. The Kuvshinovo Paper Mill was producing paper until the 1990s, and then the local timber production stopped, and the mill had to switch to cardboard production.
Transportation
A railway line which connects Likhoslavl with Soblago via Torzhok and Selizharovo passes Kuvshinovo. It is served by infrequent passenger traffic. A road connecting Torshok with Ostashkov runs through Kuvshinovo. Another road connects Kuvshinovo with Vyshny Volochyok via Yesenovichi. There are local roads as well, with the bus traffic originating from Kuvshinovo.
Culture and recreation
Kuvshinovo has three objects classified as cultural and historical heritage of local significance. All of them are the remains of the former Kuvshinov Estate. The town has a local museum as well.
