The settlement is situated at the Black Sea seaside between Tuapsee and Gelendgik and the history of its name's origin goes back to the dashing times of Russian-Turkish Wars, to the times when Russia, trying to consolidate its grip at the seaside, built 17 coastal fortifications. Mihaylovskoe was one of them and located exactly where today's Arhipo-Osipovka is.
The Caucasian tribes (Adygs, Ubyhs) couldn't submit that in the course of war they were driven back to the depth of the country and wanted to come back to their home-like lands to the seaside. From time to time they made raids upon the fortifications. . Mihaylovskoe didn't escape the same lot. The garrison of 500 soldiers faithful to their duty and homeland overcame all the hardships firmly.
In the middle of March 1840 the garrison's commander N. K. Liko found out about the enemy's preparing attack. Soldiers, that served in army for 20 years, and army officers took part in the council of war and decided not to surrender, defend the garrison with all their might, and if the situation is desperate, to blow up the powder-magazine, that is situated on the fortification's territory. Arhip Osipov volunteered to carry out the decision. Born in Kiev province, he served his Motherland over 20 years, participated in Persian and Turkish campaigns and never had a family.
It happened 22 March 1840 at dawn. The forces of mountain-dwellers twenty times outnumbered the garrison's, the outcome of the battle was fated. And when the fall of fortification became obvious, the time of Arhip Osipov has come. "It's time, brothers! Those, who'll stay alive, remember my just course!" he shouted to his comrades, snatched the flaming torch and rushed into the powder-magazine. The huge strength explosion destroyed almost all garrison soldiers and over 3000 enemies.
Staff-captain Liko and about 80 soldiers were taken prisoners. Soon Liko died of wounds. Sovereign Emperor honored by a command the heroic merits of brave defenders of Mihaylovskoe fortification, and the name of Arhip Osipov was forever put in the list of the first grenadier's company of Tenginsk regiment.
On a place of the blown up fortification there is cast-iron openwork cross 15 arshin (6 meters) in height. This monument has been built on people's money in 1876, and in 1889 at the request of inhabitants, village Vulanskaja has been renamed in Arhipo-Osipovska.
Now Arhipo-Osipovka is a quite civilized city type settlement harmoniously combining pastoral charm with city convenience. It is located in the small valley surrounded by low (up to 700 m.) mountains.
Two rivers flow through the settlement: Vulan and Teshebs. These small rivers are rather picturesque, shallow, however, suitable for bathing and fishing. Arhipka (local residents call the settlement this name) the large highway - well-known Novorossijsko - crosses the Sukhumi highway.