In 1159 Cappeln became independent from nearbyEmstek and founded its own parish. The name derives from the word "chapel". The old church (built in 1150) was only demolished in 1900 to make room for the current St. Peter and Paul church.
From 1914 to 1965 a local railway linked Cappeln toCloppenburg andVechta, first the only station was in Schwichtler.