Casselton, founded in 1873, is located in eastern North Dakota in Cass County about 25 miles west of Fargo. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 1,615, an increase of 14 since 1990.
After various name changes after its inception, the town finally had a nail to hang its hat on. George Cass, president of the Northern Pacific Railway that ran through the area, lent his name to the town. The Post Office altered it to its present form in 1876.
Geographically, Casselton is located in the soil-rich Red River Valley of the North, a 50-mile wide by 300-mile long remnant of ancient Lake Agassiz. Over a 4,000-year period, dirt, silt and other organic matter was deposited on the lake's bottom. When the lake dried, it exposed the fertile lands of today.