To the south is Leyte Gulf, which in October 1944 became the site of one of the most consequential naval battles[7] of World War II.

Samar was the first island of the Philippines sighted by the Spanish expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan (transcribed as Zamal in the diary of Antonio Pigafetta).

The historian William Henry Scott wrote that a "Samar datu by the name of Iberein was rowed out to a Spanish vessel anchored in his harbor in 1543 by oarsmen collared in gold; while wearing on his own person earrings and chains."

Scott recounted a Samarnon saga, which was called siday, about Bingi of Lawan, a prosperous settlement in Samar.

[8] Samar also had names which are recorded in early Spanish sources, including Ibabao (or Cibabao), Achan, Camlaya, and Taridola.

[citation needed] On September 28, 1901, Eugenio Daza, Area Commander of Southeastern Samar and Valeriano Abanador, the town's police chief, launched an attack on U.S. Army Company C 9th Infantry Regiment who were occupying Balangiga.

This action, commonly known as the Balangiga massacre, brought one of the only Filipino victories of the war and the worst American defeat in decades.

[citation needed] In 1989, "Balangiga Encounter Day" was established as a provincial holiday in Eastern Samar to celebrate that victory.

The interior of Samar must be made a howling wilderness ..." — Gen. Jacob H. Smithwhich brought about the slaughter of thousands of Filipinos by American Marines.