It was created in 1896 as a district (an old country subdivision) with the name Distrito Pacificador but the Constitution of 1907 changed the category to province.

The province is named in honor of the country's founding father Juan Pablo Duarte.

In the 18th century, a chapel for the Lady of Santa Ana was founded, built in what is now the Rincón San Francisco de Macorís.

When the independence of the Dominican Republic was proclaimed, Duarte was the first town in the Cibao to rise up in favor of the Puerta del Conde.

In 1896 San Francisco became the head of the Peacekeeping District —this name was given in honor of President Ulises Heureaux, who was given the title of Peacemaker of the Homeland.