Situated at the extreme northeastern corner of North Dakota, Pembina County occupies a unique place in the state’s heritage. Known for a number of firsts in North Dakota’s recorded history, including the first European settlement, first organized church, first school, first postic, first border and customs house, and first homestead within the present state lines, it is clear that this area is special. Through the years the population of Pembina County has changed, from being seasonally occupied by Native people to a bustling thoroughfare, more and more people were drawn to the county. Fur trade posts were established in the late 1700s and permanent settlers arrived in the 1800s, most to try their hand at farming the rich soil, forming communities and villages across the prairie.

The city of Cavalier was founded in 1875 and quickly developed a thriving main street, lined with general stores, livery barns, and of course, saloons. Like many pioneer towns, the dusty streets were filled with horses and creaky wagons, ox carts squealing as they traveled nearby. Traders, homesteaders, and frontiersmen conducted business in the booming town, named after Charles Cavileer, an early settler in Pembina County. Since 1877, there has been a Post Office in Cavalier, even though the town was not incorporated until 1902. In 1911, the growing town became the county seat.

In the early 1970s, the city of Cavalier quadrupled in size due to the United States anti-ballistic missile program, which was created in preparation of a nuclear attack during the Cold War. The Cavalier Space Force Station still exists in Cavalier today.

For nearly 150 years, Cavalier has been a vibrant community and remains the largest city in Pembina County. While wagons, horses, and ox-carts have been replaced with cars, trucks, and SUVS, its main street continues to thrive, all while preserving its natural character and agricultural roots. Cavalier is a destination for any season, with lively events like the Cavalier Motorcycle Ride-In, Off the Charts Music Festival, and Music and Art in the Park attracting visitors from near and far to this special town.