The geographical location of the settlement which formed the foundations of the town, at the confluence of the Cirocha river and the small river Pčolinka in the valley between the Beskydy foothills and the Vihorlat mountain range determined Snina´s function as a central village of the surrounding shepherds´and farmers´ settlements.

The oldest written records mentioning Snina date back to 1343. 

On May 1, 1949, the construction of the Vihorlat Enterprise began (www.vihorlat.sk). On July 15, 1951 production started. The construction and extension of the enterprise, which was aimed at medium heavy engineering production, created further employment opportunuties in construction organisations, services and trade.

Along with the development of industry and services,housing developed. Housing estates and new family houses were constructed. The largest number of flats and family houses were built here between 1975 – 1990 for families displaced by the construction of the Snina dam since seven villages had to be moved out.