Created as a military settlement in 985, Bryansk was part of Lithuania until the 16th century. The city produced weapons for the Russian army beginning in the late 18th century, later becoming an important textile and metallurgical center. Today, the city has developed significant steel and machinery industries, producing trains for the Russian railway. With a population of 450,000, Bryansk houses four universities, three theatres, 10 museums and a technical academy. Despite being affected by the Chernobyl accident, the center includes 100 year-old elm trees and a beautiful park-museum of wooden statues. The Bryansk American Corner was opened in February of 2004.