Almeria, a municipality with a rich historical background, traces its roots back to the early emigrants from Jagna, Bohol. According to local lore, a group of Boholanos embarked on a perilous journey across the Visayan Sea, intending to visit a long-lost relative residing in Oquindo, Samar Island. However, fate had different plans for them. While navigating the treacherous waters, they encountered a fierce typhoon that forced them to seek refuge in an unfamiliar land.

When the storm subsided, the weary travelers discovered a land blessed with fertile soil, perfect for cultivating root crops. Its surrounding seas teemed with abundant fish and seashells, providing sustenance and livelihood. Captivated by the place, the group decided to settle permanently. They constructed humble huts and diligently tilled the land, forging a new home for themselves. Initially known as Bagongbong, the settlement was later renamed Solano in honor of Capitan Solano, their first chieftain.

In 1834, a missionary accompanied by Spanish soldiers chanced upon this picturesque locale during an inspection tour of the Visayan Islands. Mesmerized by its natural beauty and captivated by the hospitality of the native inhabitants, the Spanish visitors bestowed the name “Almeria” upon the settlement, in homage to the hometown of the missionary, Almeria, Spain.

Upon their return, the Spanish visitors erected a watchtower atop Baluarte Hill to serve as a lookout point, warning the locals of the frequent incursions by marauding Moro raiders. A Roman Catholic chapel was also constructed, becoming a spiritual center for the burgeoning community. In 1886, a decree from the Gobierno Militar de Leyte elevated Almeria to the status of a pueblo or municipality.

During the American occupation, a religious controversy emerged, leading to the relocation of the seat of government from Almeria to Kawayan. In 1905, Alcalde Margarito Sabornido, along with some councilors, introduced an Aglipayan priest, Fr. Fernando Buyser, to administer religious affairs. However, this decision sparked heated debates and opposition from councilors in Barrio Kawayan. The staunch Roman Catholic population in the northern regions swiftly reported the matter to the Roman Catholic authorities in Cebu. A protest was also lodged with the American Civil Governor of Leyte, Colonel Peter Borseth.

Responding to the official complaint raised by Eugenio Obispo, the huez de paz of Almeria, Governor Borseth suspended Sabornido and three of his six councilors for a duration of three months. Subsequently, he restructured the municipal government, appointing a former American soldier named Matthew MacFarland as the acting municipal president. New councilors and officials were also appointed to replace the suspended individuals. However, what was initially intended as a temporary suspension turned out to be permanent.

MacFarland, hailing from the island barrio of Maripipi, and Obispo from Kawayan, strongly advocated for the convenience of transferring the municipal government’s seat to Kawayan. Situated equidistant between Almeria and Maripipi, Kawayan seemed an ideal compromise. In 1907, yielding to the persistent appeals of MacFarland and Obispo, Governor Borseth and the Provincial Board of Leyte approved the transfer of the Poblacion, along with the renaming of key streets, to Kawayan.

The transfer of administrative control sparked an enduring conflict between the inhabitants of Almeria and Kawayan, leading to the necessity of a Plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the Secretary of Interior. The outcome of this plebiscite favored Kawayan, which resulted in the disgruntled officials from Almeria choosing to defy the decision and persist in their positions within the former town hall, driven by their desperation.

For over four decades, Almeria remained under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Kawayan. However, during the tenure of Mayor Maximo Salloman from 1945 to 1947, the Municipal Council of Kawayan passed and approved Municipal Resolution No. 55, which advocated for the establishment of Almeria as an independent municipality. Eventually, on September 1, 1948, President Elpidio Quirino granted Almeria township status through Executive Order 162. This decisive action brought an end to the protracted and contentious Almeria-Kawayan dispute.