It is located on the right bank of the Neman River, 12 km (7.5 mi) west from Jurbarkas, in the region of Lithuania Minor.

According to the Universal Lithuanian Encyclopedia, Smalininkai was most likely settled in the late 15th century as an important border crossing point.

In the late 19th century, the village had a population of 709, which was mostly employed in agriculture, shipping and timber trade.

[2] Large quantities of spirit were sold to Russia, while Lithuanian rafters bought wooden pipes here.

Following World War I, in 1918, Lithuania regained independence, and in 1923 eventually obtained the region.