During the Second World War the area saw fighting between the Japanese forces and the allies (primarily Australians).

[1][2] In 1948, Martyrs Memorial School for boys was established in Sangara, named in honour of 11 Anglican missionaries.

They are known for setting up markets along the road to Buna Bay to Yodda Goldfield and trading taro with tobacco and glass bottles.

[4] Sangara is a notable area of coffee production, lying in the foothills.

[6] Louis Austen, a retired sea-captain, once managed a government coffee plantation near Sangara.