Bialystok

Bialystok, a fortified town of Russia, in the government of Grodno, formerly in the Polish province of Podlachia. It was transferred to Prussia on the partition of Poland in 1795, and by the treaty of Tilsit to Russia. Situated on a tributary of the Narew, it is well built, and has beautiful pleasure grounds connected with the castle, formerly the property of the Counts Braniski, and styled the "Versailles of Poland," but now under the municipality. It has an active grain and timber trade and manufactures in textiles, leather, soap, tallow, etc.