[3] Founded in 1894, the city rose from its Spanish period beginnings to become the premier town of Agusan del Norte.

Its rich cultural heritage is evident in its preserved colonial period houses and its archaeological collections.

With the exception of a site in Sanghan where Chinese ceramics from 15th to 16th century were found, no other pre-colonial records have been located.

The local economy grew when it started producing abaca from coconut plantations established by the Americans.

On July 28, 2007, the municipality Cabadbaran becomes a city in the province of Agusan del Norte after ratification of Republic Act 9434.

On December 22, 2009, the cityhood law of Cabadbaran and 15 other municipalities regain its status as cities again after the court reversed its ruling on November 18, 2008.

On August 23, 2010, the court reinstated its ruling on November 18, 2008, causing Cabadbaran and 15 cities to become regular municipalities.

Finally, on February 15, 2011, Cabadbaran along with the other 15 municipalities became cities again, declaring that the conversion to cityhood met all legal requirements.

Its boundaries are Tubay and Santiago to the north, Butuan Bay to the west, Magallanes and R. T. Romualdez to the south, and Sibagat, Agusan del Sur to the east.

The highest of all mountains in the Caraga region, Mount Hilong-Hilong (with an altitude of 2,012 metres (6,601 ft) above sea level), rises in this city.

English and Filipino are also widely spoken, while Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Waray, Manobo languages, Butuanon, Boholano dialect, Maguindanaon, Maranao and Tausug also have significant speakers in the area.

It also has varied ecotourism destinations such as Caraga's highest peak, mile-long tunnels and adventure tourism sites.

Locals have also put up white water tubing adventures along Cabadbaran River including rappelling at some of the steep falls located at the foot of Mt.

Pongkay, which is a hill that can be seen from the city proper, can be a great destination for families who wants to experience the value of the Holy Week's penance and devotion.

It is also a destination for mountain climbers and for those people who wants to see the panoramic view of Agusan del Norte and Butuan Bay.

Many of these pools have sprouted through the years because of Cabadbaran's abundant fresh water supply which the city is known for.

After the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte attains the reclassification of their land conducted by the Department of Agriculture in Barangay Sanghan, Cabadbaran City where the new Capitol building will be constructed, land conversion by the Department of Agrarian Reform will soon follow.