Ustyuzhna was first mentioned in the chronicles in 1252 as Ustyug-Zhelezny, but archaeological data show that the settlement already existed in the 11th century.

During the Time of Troubles, the Polish Army laid a siege on Ustyuzhna, but did not manage to conquer the town.

Simultaneously, uyezds were abolished, and Ustyuzhensky District was established, with the administrative center in the town of Ustyuzhna.

On September 23, 1937, Ustyuzhensky District was transferred to newly established Vologda Oblast and remained there ever since.

[2] In the district, there are enterprises of timber, food, and textile industries, as well as production of construction materials.

[11] A114 highway, connecting Vologda to Cherepovets and St. Petersburg, crosses the district from east to west, passing north of Ustyuzhna.

The district contains 44 objects (39 of them in Ustyuzhna) classified as cultural and historical heritage by the Russian Federal law, and additionally 145 objects (97 of them located in Ustyuzhna) classified as cultural and historical heritage of local importance.