The article historically studied the history of small towns in East Kazakhstan Ayagoz, Zaysan, Shar, Shemonaikha, Zyryanovsk, Kurchatov, Ridder, Serebryansk and the impact of these cities on the socio-economic situation in the region. In addition, by analyzing the socio - economic state of single - industry towns in East Kazakhstan in Soviet times, their industrial production efficiency was determined. The article attempts to fill in the empty pages of the history of small towns in the region, as well as to historically convey the significance of small towns during the period of a long totalitarian system.
The priority industries are monotowns Ridder, Zyryanovsk, Serebryansk and Kurchatov. Significance was attached to the data reflecting the economic opportunities of single-industry towns of the East Kazakhstan region in Soviet times.
In the center of attention, it was noted that the formation and development of small towns in East Kazakhstan took place through the decisive influence of the formation of the specifics of the basic industries.