Originally called Deep Creek, Cedarville was a camping place for wagon trains settled about 1864. William Cressler and John Bonner were running a trading post by 1867. Cressler and Bonner built the first road over Cedar Pass, which connects Surprise Valley to Alturas and the rest of Modoc County. By 1880 Cedarville's population was 220 and was the largest town in the valley. Historic buildings still line Main Street, housing many of the community's businesses.

Source: Greater Surprise Valley Chamber of Commerce