[6] The early history of town, is closely tied to its Cordilleran (Igorot) inhabitants, including the Ibalois (Mangatibekbek) from Atok and Kapangan in Benguet, and the Kankanaeys (Mangalkali) from Mountain Province in the foothills of the Cordillera Central.

Goods such as gold, silk, textiles, rice, porcelain, wax, and earthenware were exchanged with neighboring lowland Ilocano (Samtoy) and Pangasinan communities, as well as with foreign merchants from China, Japan, and Maritime Southeast Asia.

In the Iloco language, "Desdes" also means "big spring," emphasizing the importance of water sources in shaping the area's identity.

[7] During the Spanish colonial period in the 1700s, a group of immigrants from Ilocos and Pangasinan settled along the shores of La Union and began migrating to the town of Bauang.

Due to population growth, they followed the river's winding path in search of new land and eventually discovered a fertile valley along the riverbank, which they named Naguilian.

This order created the Municipal District of Burgos under the province of La Union, comprising several barrios: Pappa, Bilis Northwest, Ribsuan, Libtong Norte, and Bayabas West.

[6] The district was named in honor of Father Jose Burgos, a Filipino martyr who, according to local accounts, sought refuge in the area while fleeing Spanish persecution and officiated a mass at Sitio Domingo in Agpay, leaving a lasting impression on the community.

He oversaw the construction of a simple town hall made of bamboo and cogon grass in Barrio Ribsuan (now part of Naguilian).

[7] Tragically, his leadership was cut short in 1929 when he sustained fatal injuries during a boundary inspection in Bantay Siam, a remote area in Barrio Libtong.

[6] Burgos, is a highland and landlocked municipality characterized by predominantly hilly terrain, spanning a total land area of 7,082 hectares.

Key agricultural products include rice, root crops, tobacco, corn, pineapples, bananas, and various highland vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.

Additionally, fishing specifically aquaculture, trade, and small-scale industries supplement agricultural activities, contributing to the town's overall economic framework.

Apart from brooms, Burgos is also famous for its traditional rice wine (Tapey), which is locally produced and widely consumed, and for native delicacies like binudbudan.

Additionally, handcrafted products such as bamboo, wood, and basket items are made and sold, showcasing the town’s rich cultural heritage in craftsmanship.

Among its most famous sites are the Bolikewkew Rice Terraces, which are known for their scenic beauty and cultural significance, and Imelda Lake, a tranquil spot that draws visitors for relaxation.

Although tourism is not yet a dominant industry, the town's natural beauty, including lush foliage and cool climate, provides ample opportunities for eco-tourism.

The cool climate of Burgos, one of the coolest in the province, is an added draw for hikers and nature enthusiasts, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a refreshing escape in a serene environment.