In 1879, with the enforcement of Gunkuchoson henseiho, Amami Islands, as Oshima County, were incorporated in Osumi Province and named Oshima County, Osumi Province, Kagoshima Prefecture, with its county office established in Kaneku Village.
1879年（明治12年）郡区町村編制法施行に伴い、奄美諸島を大島郡として大隅国に編入し、郡役所を金久村に設置、鹿児島県大隅国大島郡と呼称された。