The district was established as a minor district (king amphoe) on 16 April 1971, when it was split off from Mueang Udon Thani district.[1] It was upgraded to a full district on 1 April 1974.[2]
Administration
The district is divided into eight sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 78 villages (mubans). There are two townships (thesaban tambon). Nong Wua So covers parts of tambons Nong Wua So and Mak Ya; and Nong O Non Wai covers parts of tambons Nong O and Non Wai. There are a further seven tambon administrative organizations (TAO).