Spanish missionaries first set foot in Batangas City in 1572. The settlement was founded in 1581 and named "Batangan" because of the numerous big logs that abounded the Calumpang River. The logs were called “batang” by the natives who settled near the river and called the settlement "Batangan". This name was modified and became Batangas in 1601. Don Agustin Casilao was appointed as the first Gobernadorcillo. Since 1754, the city has been the capital and administrative center of the province. Batangas became a city in 1969 through Republic Act. No. 5495 known as the Charter of Batangas City.
The following dates marked the significant events/activities which shaped the growth and development of Batangas City.

 

1581 - The first Roman Catholic Church was built.
July 04, 1901                                  - Civil Government was established under the American Regime
1902 - Batangas High School was established which is now known as the     Batangas National High School
June 19, 1909 - The Batangas Municipal Hall was inaugurated.
June, 1910

- The Batangas Trade School was formally opened. Known now as the Batangas State University formerly Pablo Borbon Memorial Institute of Technology.

July 25, 1915 - Plaza Mabini was inaugurated.
December 12, 1941                       - Japanese planes bombed and totally destroyed the Batangas Airport in Barangay Alangilan.
February 13, 1948 - Batangas Catholic Church was elevated to the status of Basilica Minor of Infant Jesus and Immaculate Conception.
June 21, 1969 - Republic Act No. 5495 creating Batangas City was signed into law by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos
July 23, 1969 - Batangas City Government was formally organized.
August 19, 2015 - Republic Act No. 10673 creating Batangas City as the 5th District of Batangas Province wa ssigned into law by the former President Benigno S. Aquino III.