Smolensk province was formed in 1708 as part of 17 cities with counties. In 1713, the province was disbanded, most of it went to the Riga province. In 1726, the Smolensk province was recreated as part of 5 counties. In 1775, the province was transformed into Smolensk governorship. 7 new counties were formed. In 1796, Smolensk governorate again became a province. At the same time, Dukhovshchinsky, Yelninsky and Krasninsky districts were abolished (restored in 1802). From 1802 to 1918, the province included 12 counties.