The town is called the cradle of noble heroes due to its contribution to the revolutionary movement of its sons Apolinario Mabini, the brains of Katipunan, and later by the statesman José P. Laurel.

[10][11] In 1904, the barrios of Balaquilong (Balakilong), Bayuyungan, Binirayan (Berinayan), Bugaan, and San Gabriel were ceded to Taal by virtue of Act No.

[13] Recent events include the assassination of its former mayor, Cesar V. Platon, by NPA rebels on May 7, 2001, as he was running for the governorship of Batangas.

[14][15] On July 2, 2018, then-mayor Antonio Halili, noted for public humiliation campaigns against criminals and drug pushers, was shot and killed during the flag raising ceremony at the city hall at age 72.

[16][17] The Congress approved Batangas 3rd District Representative Jose Macario Laurel IV's bill and a Senate counterpart measure to convert the municipality of Tanauan into a city on December 19, 2000.

9005, known as "The Charter of the City of Tanauan," was signed into law on February 2, 2001 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

According to cityhood advocates, quoted in reports reaching Batangas on Sunday, the turnout, despite being two times better than previous conversion-to-city exercises, was still only 16%.

The town is known for the Old Tanauan Church Ruins, the most important archaeological site in the municipality where human remains from the colonial era have been unearthed.

Iglesia ni Cristo, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), Islam and other religious groups are also present in the city.

Agricultural products from Calabarzon and as far as the Mimaropa and Bicol regions are delivered here before it reaches public markets in Metro Manila.

Celinda Laurel Dimayuga (Tanauan) and Aurelio Maningat Pantoja (Balayan) used a "pugon" (clay brick oven).

Located in Sixto Castillo Street, Barangay Poblacion 2, Tanauan City, the iconic bakery is famous for traditional Filipino breads and biscuits, like pandesal, paborita biscuits and square, crisp jacobina crafted from paper-thin sheets of dough.

The Sapphire International Aviation Academy which caters to aspiring aircraft pilots is also located within the city at the Barradas Airstrip.