The genetic approach to the analysis of the formation of the territorial production system of the region can give interesting results. The initial stages of the industrial development of the region are characterized by flexibility in relation to the factors of the economic and geographical location of the production centers. Its analysis provides a deeper understanding of the question why individual cities have been actively developing, while others have experienced only a short-term rise. Based on statistical data mainly from 1880–1900, economic development (primarily factory development) of Saratov province is considered. The disadvantages of the statistical data collected during this period are discussed. The analysis of the sectoral and territorial structure of the nascent and growing industry in the last quarter of the 19th – early 20th century is carried out. The results are visualized in the form of economic maps. In order to identify advanced industries, a comparison of labor productivity in them for 1884 and 1908 is given. The development of industry in the period 1884–1908 was industry-related due to the diversification of production in the cities and counties of the province, as well as the transition from handicraft industry to small-sized factories, but really large plants appeared only in Saratov and Tsaritsyn. Geographically, during the period under study, the development of the western industrial centers of the province (mainly lying on Khoper river), as well as the southern ones (Sarepta and Tsaritsyn) was noticeable, while maintaining the importance of the Volga cities and areas in the north of the province. Compared with the northwestern and central provinces of European Russia, the emergence of avant-garde technological industries, primarily mechanical engineering and metalworking, as well as the chemical industry, has been delayed. Special attention is paid to comparing the development of Saratov and Tsaritsyn (modern Volgograd) as industrial centers, and the differences are largely related to the transport and geographical location of the cities.