They named it “Malaquing Tubig” which literally translates to "big river" referring to body of water that cuts through the central portion of their early settlement.

Bauan was established in 1596 as an ecclesiastical unit administered by the Order of Saint Augustine with Malaquing Tubig as one of the barrios under its jurisdiction.

Human population of Malaquing Tubig started to grow and in 1754, Taal Volcano erupted, destroying the original Bauan.

The recognized leaders of Malaquing Tubig then petitioned to the Spanish authorities for the creation of that place as a pueblo which was granted to them on April 26, 1765.

The municipality is bounded in the north and north-east by Lipa, east by Ibaan, south by Batangas City and San Pascual, and west by Cuenca and Alitagtag.

Although currently called "Mayor", the Municipal Executive of San Jose has held other names including Gobernadorcillo which means "Governor" during the Spanish Period.

The Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Joseph the Patriarch located in the town proper is a popular Catholic pilgrimage site.

Outside a multi-tiered belfry stands which was built in the latter part of the 19th century; a bridge offers passage to the church over the Malaquing Tubig River.

San Jose celebrates Sinuam Festival every April 25 to commemorate its founding anniversary and to thank its patron for the good performance of the main business in the town which is Poultry.