In the 19th century, several droughts and plagues depopulated the village, as many emigrated to the US, Canada and Argentina.

Near the end of World War II, half of the wooden part of the village was burned down.

The village is most famous for being the birthplace and town where Juraj Janosik grew up.

In 2013 Music of Terchová was inscribed on the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The village lies in a valley in the Malá Fatra mountains, about 25 km east of Žilina.