Talisay was formerly an estate/vesita of San Nicolas of the Augustinian account. It was named after a tree species that grows abundantly in the place called “Magtalisay”. The other account was that it was named after a town in Spain.
The town was founded in 1849 with Silverio Fernandez as the first gobernadorcillo and Pedro Labuca as capitan.
During the Spanish, Japanese and American struggles, Talisay used to be the center of guerilla operations. The American forces made its historic landing, liberating the entire province of Cebu in the shores of Cansojong and Poblacion last August 28, 1945.
Talisay is the home of brave generals who fought furiously for the most cherished freedom from the foreign colonizers who wished to invade and enslave the Talisaynons and these were the Tres Aliños and the modern day generals of our times.
Talisay is rich in heritage and colorful culture that truly showcase the real essence of a Talisaynon that is value-laden and an empowered citizenry.
By virtue of Republic Act 8979, Talisay became one of the component cities in the province of Cebu on January 12, 2001.
The inception of the cityhood also gives birth to the Division of Talisay City on Janaury 10, 2003, with The Hon. Eduardo R. Gullas as our First City Mayor. Talisay City then became a separate division from DepEd Cebu Province.