This village was founded as an industrial base camp during the construction of the hydroelectric power station in the early 20th century. La Central experienced a glorious 20th century and grew like the famous textile colonies (school, cinema, company shop, dispensary, post office, etc.). With the automation of the power station and the lack of employment in the area, La Central, like most villages in the valley, started to depopulate.

Nowadays, both the village and the valley are recovering a great deal of their former vitality. The opening of the Hydroelectric Museum of Capdella in 2006, which can be visited together with the power station, was a significant fact.