Monks from Wąchock contributed to the development of early industry along the Kamienna river, opening metal plants in several locations.

Despite the existence of a rich and powerful monastery, Wąchock itself never became an important center of the Sandomierz Voivodeship in the Lesser Poland Province.

This was because both Bishops of Kraków (who owned nearby town of Bodzentyn), and Benedictine monks from the Łysa Góra monastery blocked any attempts at Wąchock's development.

In 1624, Benedictines from Święty Krzyż founded the town of Wierzbnik (later: Starachowice), which emerged as a competition to Wąchock.

In 1869, Russian authorities, in revenge of the town's aid to the insurgents, deprived Wąchock of its city rights.

[1] During World War II, Home Army units under Jan Piwnik were particularly active in the area of Wąchock.