In 1906 the name was changed to Illarionovsky, in honor of Count I. I. Vorontsov-Dashkov, a local nobleman.

In October 1921, at the end of the civil war when Soviet rule had been established, the name was again changed to Mineralnye Vody and town status was granted.

It was occupied by Nazi Germany between 10 August 1942 and 11 January 1943 during World War II.

During the German occupation, between 6500 and 7500 Jews were murdered in an anti-tank ditches located next to the city,[11][12] Within the framework of administrative divisions, Mineralnye Vody serves as the administrative center of Mineralovodsky District, even though it is not a part of it.

The town is located along the Kuma River and the main rail line between Rostov-on-Don in Russia and Baku in Azerbaijan.