Well-informed old-timers in the municipality say that the town was founded in the year 1610 by Nicolas Patricio with his wife. Isidra Sangalang and a handful of followers. Jose Castillo. Raymund Umaguing. Bernardo Alimorong and others, who in 1780 started their exodus from the towns of San Jacinto and San Fabian to this part of the province with the missionary zeal of making this municipality a better place to live in.

    With the joint approval of his followers and the igorots who can be aptly called as the aborigines of this town, Nicolas Patricio y Mejia was appointed as their Kapitan (President)  in the 1818. During his incumbency, the bond of their union was greatly strengthened as evidenced by later historical events. HE led them towards the realization of their obsession. His ideas led them where his heart follow. In the grateful recognition of his sacrifices and excellent leadership, his people christened this particular settlement after his name and eventually adopted San Nicolas de Tolentino as their patron saint.