When Japan extended its territory northward in 708, Dewa District was established under Echigo.
Since the division of Sado in 752, the territory of Echigo remained constant to the Meiji period.
Under the Tokugawa shogunate of the Edo period, Echigo was divided among several feudal domains.
The Hokurikudō highway passed through the province, and numerous post stations were established.
Following the establishment of the Meiji government, the various domains and provinces became prefectures with the abolition of the han system in 1871.