Located in the northeastern corner of what is now North Dakota, Pembina, and the surrounding area, has been a center of activity for centuries and occupies an unique place in the state’s heritage. The region is credited with a number of firsts in North Dakota’s recorded history, including the first European settlement, first organized church, first school, first post office, first border and customs house, and first homestead within present-day state borders.

Before those firsts, and before even the Europeans arrived in present-day Pembina County, many groups of native peoples occupied the land; the Chippewa, Cree, Assiniboine, Dakota, and Ojibwa lived beside the Red River, gathering high-bush cranberries and hunting the buffalo who roamed free across the prairie. The word “Pembina” is borrowed from the Chippewa language and is a term for those cranberries, a resource that was critical to the valley during that time.

In 1738, French-Canadian Pierre de la Verendrye and his sons began exploring the Red River Valley in Dakota Territory. By 1797, the fur trade was erupting. To accommodate the growing business, Fort Pembina was established. Before long, French fur traders began to establish themselves in the area, intermingling with the native peoples. From this, a new nation of people was born, the Metis, who were descendants of European traders and Indian women. This early fur trade post led to the eventual establishment of Pembina, on the banks of the Red River. This became the oldest settlement made by European settlers in both North and South Dakota.

As transportation methods developed, Pembina became more accessible and well-traveled. The first post office in Pembina was established in 1851, and, by 1860, Pembina was quite the populous place. It served as the county seat from 1867 to 1911 when it was moved to Cavalier.

Pembina’s recorded history is closely tied with Canada. Many of the area’s earliest permanent settlers came by way of Canada or were involved with Canadian-American trade operations. Pembina has been a gateway of commerce between the two countries since the early 1800s. Today, Pembina continues to serve as a port of entry between Canada and North Dakota.