Initially named after the Cabicungan river that runs through the town, it was renamed Claveria in the 19th century after the Spanish Governor-General Narciso Clavería.

In 1661, the town was attacked by rebels from the Ilocos led by Pedro Almazan, resulting in the death of the resident missionary, Jose Navarro de Santa Maria.

In the 18th century, the Spanish established a military garrison in the town to launch expeditions against the unconquered Isneg tribes of Apayao and guard the mountain route to the Ilocos.

Poverty Incidence of Claveria Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Claveria, belonging to the second legislative district of the province of Cagayan, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code.

The Schools Division of Cagayan governs the town's public education system.