[8] Small settlements of Pangasinan-speaking people originally inhabited the plains along the river, while the eastern mountainous areas were home to Cordilleran groups, primarily the Ibalois.

[9] These settlements actively engaged in trade and barter with the coastal communities of Agoo and Aringay, as well as with Ilocanos, Tagalogs, and foreign traders from China, Japan, and Maritime Southeast Asia.

Goods exchanged included porcelain, silk, cotton, beeswax, gemstones, beads, and precious minerals such as gold, which was highly valued both regionally and internationally.

Under this system, natives were obligated to pay tribute or taxes in the form of crops, cloth, or forced labor in exchange for protection and governance.

[10] By the 18th century, Ilocano migrants began settling in the area, driven by population pressures and the oppressive conditions under Spanish rule in the Ilocos province.

[11] These migrants initially arrived in Agoo and Aringay, then part of Pangasinan province, and gradually moved inland to the fertile plains of Tubao.

On October 29, 1849, Governor-General Narciso Clavería issued a decree creating La Union province by merging towns from Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, and the Cordillera, formalized on March 2, 1850, by Governor-General Antonio María Blanco, with Tubao, a barrio of Agoo and Aringay, as a founding town, and confirmed by Queen Isabella II on April 18, 1854.

The barrio was named San Isidro de Tubao, in honor of its patron saint, whose feast day is celebrated annually on May 14 and 15.

Shortly thereafter, on August 28, 1885, La Union’s Spanish Military Governor Federico Francia proposed a review of Aringay's borders to accommodate Tubao’s growing population.

A bishop from Vigan, following a pastoral visit to Agoo and Aringay, also advocated for the establishment of a new town and initiated the construction of a chapel in Tubao.

On November 16, 1885, Governor Francia formalized Tubao's status as the 14th town of La Union, formed from barrios ceded by Agoo and Aringay.

[18] On November 19, 1899, General Samuel Baldwin Marks Young, American commander in Northern Luzon marched through Tubao to Aringay then to Agoo.

When he narrowly escaped capture in Kapangan, he abandoned personal equipment which included a horse and Colt .45 pistol both belonging to Colonel Gutierrez, his commander.

Vanoverbergh went on horseback to visit him climbing the Santo Tomas mountain and arrived in Bauko on 14 February just in time for the burial, Sepulchre having died in Bontoc Hospital the day before.

In June 1915, he opened a Grade I class on the ground floor of the rectory or convent to be later named Tubao Catholic School and conducted a parish census.

Father Martens also founded "The Apostleship of Prayer" (1912) and "Los Defensores de la Libertad" which later became the "Cabsat ni San Isidro.

In January 1951, Father Albert Van Nuffelen sold the lot back for P1,800 pesos to the relatives of the former owner viz., Mr. Bernardino Madriaga and Milagrina Oller who built their house on it.

[22] Among those who found refuge and passage in the town were top officials of the land led by then Executive Secretary Manuel Roxas who was later captured by the Japanese in 1942, Senator Quintin Paredes, future Speaker Jose Laurel Jr. and Teofilo Sison.

On August 13, 1966, with 39 pioneer-members and a starting paid-up capitalization of Three hundred fourteen pesos (P 314.00), the Tubao Credit Union, Inc. as originally named was formally organized and registered with the Cooperative Administration Office (CAO) under RA 2023 and approved on October 26, 1966, under Registration No.

In 1974, then Tourism Minister Jose Aspiras brought Miss Universe Amparo Muñoz of Spain and other beauties to Tubao for a tour.

After 68 years, the Belgian CICM and ICM sisters handed the school administration in 1984 to the Diocese of San Fernando, La Union.

An inland land-locked town, Tubao is located in Ilocos Region lying along the south-eastern side of La Union province.

Tubao is predominantly Roman Catholic, with significant numbers adhering to other Christian denominations such as Iglesia ni Cristo, Protestantism, Aglipayan, Pentecostal, and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Tubao supports a variety of small-scale industries, including the production of processed green corn, such as “chichacorn,” and banana chips, which are popular as “pasalubong” (souvenirs) for visitors.

Basketry made from bamboo and woodcarving for furniture-making are traditional cottage industries that remain active, showcasing the town's craftsmanship.

Two notable waterfalls—Sangbay Falls and Lang-ay Falls—are among the town's most picturesque spots, ideal for nature lovers and adventurers.In addition, Tubao is an access point for the Anduyan-Nangalisan-Asin Road, a popular alternative route to Baguio City.

This scenic road offers breathtaking views and is less congested compared to the traditional route, making it an appealing option for travelers heading to the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

The town’s agricultural heritage, handcrafted products, and local delicacies complement these attractions, providing visitors with a rich cultural and eco-tourism experience.

Early local government was covered by the Maura Law which was passed in 1893 that changed the title or designation of town heads from gobernadorcillo to capitan municipal.

The public indignation was led by Reverend Mariano C. Apilado of Peace Builders La Union, Melvin Macusi of Amnesty International, Danilo Balino from the Commission on Human Rights and Fr.