[9] The municipality (originally the parish) is named after the old Sandtorg farm (Old Norse: Sandþorghom).

At the time of the municipal dissolution, it was part of the Trondenes prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Nord-Hålogaland.

This location became more important in the late 18th century when pilot services were added for foreign and local ships.

The trading post continued to be a focal point of Sandtorg until 1945 when the Norwegian Army's communication services took over the facilities after the German occupation (1940–1945).

Today, the Sandtorgholmen trading post features a hotel with a harbor restaurant and meeting facilities.

During his 20 years as mayor after World War II, boat building factories at Rødskjæret were added, lighted ski tracks, and a community cultural house was built.

The municipal council (Herredsstyre) of Sandtorg was made up of 35 representatives that were elected to four year terms.