The area was settled in the prehistory, and there are multiple archaeological sites in the district.

Krasny (originally Krasn or Krasen) is first mentioned in 1165 by the Hypatian Codex, when Davyd Rostislavich, Prince of Smolensk, gave Krasen to his nephew, Roman of Vitebsk.

Between the second half of the 14th century and the middle of the 17th century, the area belonged intermittently to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, to Poland, and to the Grand Duchy of Moscow.

On 12 July 1929, governorates and uyezds were abolished, and Krasninsky District with the administrative center in Krasny was established.

On August 1, 1930 the okrugs were abolished, and the districts were subordinated directly to the oblast.

[8][9] The district's economy is mostly agricultural, specializing in beef and dairy cattle, potatoes, and flax.

[10] The Moscow–Brest railway line and the M1 "Belarus" Highway both run through the northern part of the district, connecting Smolensk and Orsha.