The origin of the name Danao lacks concrete historical records, though two legendary accounts exist regarding its establishment as a municipio.

The most popular legend dates back to 1844, involving a Spanish captain named Manuel Anecito del Rosario.

Commissioned by early Spanish authorities in Cebu province, del Rosario's mission was to establish municipios from Compostela to Borbon.

Following the establishment of Danao, del Rosario continued to the north, helping to organize the towns of Carmen, Catmon, and Borbon.

Efforts to document Danao’s pre-war and post-liberation history were unsuccessful, as many records were presumed lost or destroyed during World War II.

Each year, a Charter Day Celebration takes place from June 1–7, featuring various activities such as traditional games and customs enjoyed by Danawanons across generations.

During World War II, the bridges, tracks and Central Station were bombed so extensively that the railway never recovered, and it closed in 1942.

[20] When World War II came, the Danao gunsmiths went underground, joined the guerrilla movement or were inducted into the United States Army Forces in the Far East.

The organization had been a potent group in working for the legalization of gun-making industry in the country with the aim to upgrade the technology and skills of gun makers, to provide job security and additional revenue for the government.

However, qualified voters in Mandaue are allowed to vote in elections for Cebu provincial officials by virtue of Republic Act No.