Pre-colonial Trading Post:
Vigan was historically significant as a coastal trading post, with Chinese junks sailing from the South China Sea to Isla de Bigan through the Mestizo River, exchanging goods from Asian kingdoms for local products.
Founding by Juan de Salcedo:
In 1572, Captain Juan de Salcedo explored the coast and founded "Villa Fernandina de Vigan" in honor of Prince Ferdinand, son of King Philip II.
Spanish Influence:
Salcedo, awarded the old province of Ylocos, established Vigan as a Spanish city in January 1574. Augustinian Missionaries were brought in for evangelization and to assert Spanish control in the region.
Origin of the Name:
The name "Vigan" is believed to have originated from a misunderstanding between Salcedo and a native, where the native thought Salcedo was asking about the vegetation on the ground, leading to the name "Bigan" being adopted by the Spaniards.
