The area of present-day Shikama was part of ancient Mutsu Province, and has been settled since at least the Jōmon period by the Emishi people.

Per the Shoku Nihongi, following a huge earthquake in the year 715 AD, a large number of people migrated to this area from the southern Kantō region, forming numerous fortified settlements.

A motion to merger with the neighboring three towns of Miyazaki, Nakaniida, and Onoda, all from Kami District, was defeated by a local referendum in April 2003.

Shikama has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 13 members.

In terms of national politics, the town is part of Miyagi 4th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.