[3] It is historically significant as the place where José Rizal was exiled by the Spanish colonial authorities for his threat to start revolutionary activities.

The earliest settlers of Dapitan were the Subanens, a nomadic tribe of Austronesian stock known to have settled and lived along the banks of the river or “suba” out of which their present-day tribal identity originated.

It is believed that some Augustinian friars accompanied Legazpi's expedition, who converted the natives to Christianity.

A permanent mission was founded at Dapitan in 1629 headed by a Jesuit missionary, Father Pedro Gutierrez.

The settlement came to be known as the "pueblo", and its head variously called either "Datu", "Capitan" or "Cabeza de Barangay".

[5] On June 22, 1963, President Diosdado Macapagal signed R.A. 3811 which converted Dapitan into a chartered city.

Additionally, during severe storms at sea, ferries and other ships find shelter in the Taguilon cove.

Dapitan has launched a diversified fiesta celebration of its Patron St. James or Señor Santiago, whose memorial is celebrated every July 25, for the locals through a three-in-one affair, combining religious, cultural and sports events in its Kinabayo Festival.