 Since 1780, the upper Vaga lands were part of Velsky Uyezd with the administrative center in the town of Velsk.On July 15, 1929, the uyezds were abolished, and Velsky Uyezd was split into Velsky, Verkhovazhsky, and Ustyansky Districts.Verkhovazhye became the administrative center of Verkhovazhsky District.