In medieval times the region was a part of the Bishopric of Würzburg.

When the clerical states of Germany were dissolved in 1803, it fell to Bavaria.

The district consists of two distinct areas: The eastern parts of the Rhön mountains and the Bavarian portion of Grabfeld.

Grabfeld is a fertile region south of the Rhön mountains.

According to local legend a queen once lost her beloved ring in the Grabfeld.