The base of the second Kamchatka expedition was located on the bay shores surrounded by Nikolskaya and Petrovskaya sopkas, which marked the beginning of the city construction.

Most of the fighting during the attack of the Anglo-French squadron on Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky took place in the immediate vicinity and on the slopes of Nikolskaya Sopka.

In the course of heavy bombardment from enemy ships, both batteries were completely destroyed, and the defenders were forced to retreat.

As a result of the battle, which lasted about two hours, Russian troops captured the banner of the Gibraltar regiment of marines and a large number of trophies.

[4] The main one is a chapel built in 1912 on the eastern slope of the hill, on the site of the mass grave of soldiers who died during the defence.

Another monument is installed on the isthmus between Signal cape and Nikolskaya sopka, where the third battery under the command of Alexander Maksutov was located.

In 1937 a park of culture and recreation was opened on the hill,[7] it had such buildings as a dance floor, a summer theatre, amusement rides, a shooting gallery, a billiard room and a parachute tower.

At the top of the hill there was a vacant lot, where during the Great Patriotic War training firing was held.

The main place of recreation for the citizens became the town square, located on the northern side of the hill.

At present, none of the buildings of the park of the Soviet period have survived, only fragments of the metal fence enclosing its territory remain on the eastern side.

[8] In 2018–2019, the park has undergone significant reconstruction and has become perhaps the most popular recreation spot for citizens and guests of the city.