Tanauan (lookout point) was founded by the Augustinians in 1584 on the northwestern bay of Lake Taal, called Tanauan Bay. Lookout towers were associated with 16th and 17th century churches to forewarn of Moro raids. Old Tanauan (Lumang Tanauan) included such a watch tower and associated sapao (built-up structures in the water). The 1754 eruption of Taal Volcano forced the town inhabitants to move initially to Sala. Then both towns moved again later that year to Tanauan's current location, in which Sala is now a barrio.