The city of Santa Catarina was not "founded" in a traditional manner; at the beginning, it was only a resting point for travelers between Monterrey and Saltillo.

[citation needed] During the French Invasion of Mexico in the second half of the 19th century, the president Benito Juárez spent some days in Santa Catarina while traveling to Monterrey, and it was during this time that he elevated its status to Village.

[citation needed] Santa Catarina is located about 15 kilometers southwest of central Monterrey.

The municipality has an area of 984.5 km2 (380.1 sq mi) and includes numerous very small localities outside of the city itself.

Most of the National Park Cumbres of Monterrey, including the canyon of La Huasteca is located within Santa Catarina.