Water power, fertile land, and excellent fishing drew early settlers to Snapping Shoals, where they built a sawmill, grist mill, and other small industries. The town developed on both sides of the river and flourished in the 1900s. In 1936, Snapping Shoals Power and Light Co. became the forerunner to Snapping Shoals E.M.C., which later moved to Covington. The original small hydro-turbine generators were still in use in 1996. A new road and bridge diverted traffic away from the town, and in 1968 the last general store closed.