Sossonniemi was settled in the early 17th century thanks to its good transport links and rich fishing waters. The village has been influenced by strong fishing traditions for generations.
Sossonniemi was formed by dividing the Muosalmi farm in 1781, when Simuna Pitkä became the holder of the Sossonniemi farm. Simuna Pitkä’s house mark is from 1781. The house mark was used by the family for three generations.
Sossonniemi was engaged in freight hauling, which enabled the prosperous Antti Sosso to buy the Kantoniemi farm for his sons in 1872. His sons, under the leadership of Antti Konrad (1849–1904), ran Kuusamo’s largest store for 20 years. Antti Konrad Pitkänen served in numerous municipal positions for over 20 years.
The road came to Sossonniemi in 1937, the road to Kajava in 1958. There was a circuit school in Sossonniemi until the Törmäsenvaara school was completed.
In the past, there were many large families who maintained trade and commercial truck traffic for a long time.
Farming, fishing, hunting, reindeer husbandry and logging were also the main livelihoods of the people of Sossonniemi. Barley, onions, potatoes, and some turnips were grown here.
In 1939, the villagers were evacuated by bus to Pudasjärvi and from there by horses to Iijoki, and a second time in 1944 to Oulainen.
Sossonniemi survived the war as an unburnt village.