On February 12, 1821, by order of the so-called Reglamento Provisional in Huaura, the department was created, integrated by the provinces of Huaylas, Cajatambo, Conchucos [es], Huamalíes and Huánuco and with its capital in Huarás.

[1] The political foundation of this demarcation was executed by the José de San Martín.

[4] On September 13, 1825, the department of Huánuco changed its name to that of Junín, by decree signed by Hipólito Unanue, Juan Salazar and José de Larrea [es], to honor Simón Bolívar's victory over the Spanish Army.

In 1835, years after its dissolution, it was again established by president Felipe Santiago Salaverry, excluding the province of Huari.

[6] Since 1910, local historians have advocated the return of the name Huaylas, the original name given to Ancash by San Martín.