Laua-an was already a pueblo before the Spanish American War broke out. Capitan Luis Sarmiento was the first Capitan del Pueblo. When the Filipino-American War broke out, Barbaza became an integral part of Laua-an, because its Municipal Hall was burned. The seat of government of Laua-an was then transferred to Barbaza through a resolution approved by the council under the leadership of Capitan Justiano Barrientos. Pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 1748 and as per Executive Order No. 14 of Governor General James F. Smith, the seat of the Municipal Government of Laua-an was transferred to Barbaza effective June 1, 1908. Many of the inhabitants of Poblacion and Barangay Guisijan filed a petition to the Governor-General that Laua-an be separated from Barbaza with a promise that the municipal building of Laua-an will be constructed at their own expense. Upon the recommendation of the Provincial Board and pursuant to the provision of Act. No. 1748, the 11 Municipalities of Antique was increased to 12 as established by Act. No. 961 which was amended by act No. 987. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 129 issued by Governor Francis Burton Harrison, Laua-an was declared as a Municipality on January 1, 1915.