[3] Caba is notable as the birthplace of Diego Silang, a prominent Filipino revolutionary leader who led an uprising against Spanish colonial rule in the Ilocos Region in 1762.

The youth, misunderstanding the question as referring to the animal he was herding, responded with “Cava.” The name was subsequently repeated and evolved into Cava, and later Caba.

[5][6] The town of Caba was historically part of the ancient region of Pangasinan, known as Alingay or Alinguey (modern-day Aringay).

[7] The area was initially settled by Pangasinans along the coastal regions, accompanied by smaller communities of Samtoys (Ilocanos).

Frequently traded goods included gold, jars, silk, woven fabrics, ceramics, and glass beads and others, reflecting the region's economic vitality.

[10] In 1572, Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo and his soldiers arrived in the area after pacifying the nearby settlement of Aroo or Agoho (modern-day Agoo), which had a significant Japanese trading presence.

[5][6] By 1598, Augustinian friars formally established the settlement, with Don Agustin de la Cruz appointed as its first leader.

[5] The settlement operated under the encomienda system, where local inhabitants were entrusted to Spanish encomenderos, friars, and native nobles in exchange for tribute and governance.

Seeking to escape oppressive conditions imposed by Spanish colonizers, they cultivated the land through agriculture and fishing, further contributing to the settlement's development.

In 1745, Caba, initially a barrio of Aringay, was established as a municipality under the jurisdiction of the Province of Pangasinan and the Bishopric of Nueva Segovia.

[5] On October 29, 1849, Governor-General Narciso Zaldua Clavería issued a decree merging eight towns from Pangasinan, three from Ilocos Sur, and territories in the Cordillera to form the province of La Union.

On April 18, 1854, Queen Isabella II of Spain issued the royal decree (real orden) from Madrid confirming Blanco's Superior Decreto.

Under the leadership of General Manuel Tinio y Bondoc, allied with Emilio Aguinaldo, they engaged in battles against Spanish forces in Northern Luzon.

These guerrilla efforts played a crucial role in resisting American forces and defending the town's autonomy during the conflict.

This order took effect on January 1, 1908, officially restoring Caba as a regular municipality, with Francisco Sobredillo serving as its Chief Executive.

Capturing the three towns which were connected by a high quality road, but protected on one side by the ocean and the other by the sea, meant that the Japanese forces were easily able to establish a secure beachhead.

[14][15][16] : "43"  La Union residents mostly did not speak up about the economic stresses they were experiencing, but when Marcos declared martial law in 1972, Caba was included with the rest of the country.

[18] After Marcos fled into exile after the civilian-led 1986 People Power revolution, Edgar T. Bacungan was appointed OIC mayor under the new Provisional Revolutionary Government.

Heavy rainfall is brought by the Southwest Monsoon (SWM) during the wet season, whereas the Northeast Monsoon (NEM) leads to drier conditions as it moves over the Cordillera Mountains.As of the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (2020 CPH), the municipality of Caba, La Union had a total population of 23,119 persons.

[25] The majority of Caba's population is Ilocano, while Iloco is the primary language spoken, with Filipino and English used in government and business.

[25] Caba is predominantly Roman Catholic, though various other Christian denominations, including Iglesia ni Cristo, Protestant groups, and Jehovah's Witnesses, are also present.

Mangoes and grapes stand out as the town’s flagship agricultural products, highly valued for both local consumption and trade.

The town raises poultry, carabaos, goats, and swine, which provide a stable source of income for many residents.

The South China Sea (Lingayen Gulf), with its abundant marine resources, supports a thriving fishing industry.

Another hallmark of Caba's industry is the production of "bugguong padas," a locally famous fermented fish delicacy.

Other thriving industries include woodcarving, dried fish production, and weaving, which preserve the town’s rich cultural heritage while contributing to economic growth.

In the town proper, an increasing number of businesses provide goods and services to residents and visitors alike.