After gaining independence from Spain in 1821, the isthmus of Panama was divided into two provinces, Panamá and Veraguas.

At the time, the location now occupied by the city of Chitré was inhabited by a small population of indigenous persons, near La Villa de Los Santos and was governed from Natá.

Other commercial mainstays in Herrera include retail, equipment repair, banking, and domestic service.

Prominent industries include dairy, cattle, commercial fishing, alcohol, ceramics, clay products, mosaics, and cement.

Panama's most famous alcoholic drink, "seco" (translation: dry), is produced in Herrera, which is a sugarcane liqueur said to be drier than normal rum.