The jungle clearing which grew to become what is now Sanchez Mira was then a hunting ground called Malolokit of the Kalinga. They were a nomadic tribe from the nearby sub-province of Apayao. When the Spanish friars came, it became barrio Malolokit of Pamplona.

Because it was located at the tip of the productive elevated region and near the sea, settlers from Paoay, Ilocos Norte came by sailboat in 1883 to farm, hunt and fish. They were the Negro, Mackay, Cacatian, Marzan and Paclibon families. ther immigrants followed after hearing of the easy life the settlers enjoyed.

The present day inhabitants are also a conglomeration of natives, so with their occupation, distinct characteristics and outlook towards life. What makes them a bit different is their outward hospitality. Guests are usually treated to bannawag (arac or nipa wine), kilawen, roasted chicken or barbequed fish.

The official founding of Sanchez Mira was on August 20, 1894, a day after the fiesta of Malolokit. The town was named in honor of Manuel Sanchez Mira, a Spanish Brigadier General assigned in the Cagayan Valley, upon strong recommendation of Hilario Pulido and Fray Santiago Jugla. Actually, Malolokit was declared a town by virtue of a Royal Decree on September 14, 1894. For his public spirit, Hilario Pulido was appointed gobernadorcillo.

In 1895, Pulido was succeeded by Mariano Arjonillo whose administration was characterized by unrest because of the Philippine Revolution against Spain. Captain Catalino Pulido took over the reigns of the town government sometime in 1898. Among his achievements was the maintenance of peace and order because the people were still cold and unresponsive to the policies introduced by the Americans.

Though not as scenic as in other parts of the country, Sanchez Mira has its lures also. The ruins of "Nagtutulagan" or "Nagsisiiman" atop the promontory in Pata. It was also in Pata where the seven first baptized natives were born.

With a land area of 19,880 hectares and 18 barangays, coconut trees are abundant in this town.