engineer Karl Gaskoyn invited to the Russian service to carry out investigation of deposits of ores and coal around Slavyanoserbiya. Gaskoyn executed an assignment and assured the government that "the found mines of iron ore and coal on survey promise the richest quantity of these minerals in the best quality".
On November 14, 1795 — Catherine II issues the decree on foundation of iron-works, the first in the south of the empire, with which construction in the valley of the river Lugan and emergence of the city is connected. Villages the Stone Ford (it is founded in 1755) and Vergunka were the first settlements which accepted builders and workers of Lugansk foundry.
Karl Gaskoyn