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OUR HISTORY
After having been instrumental in the completion of the Soo Canal in 1885, Charles T. Harvey was granted several thousand acres in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Part of this land included the mouth and both sides of the Manistique River, and in 1860 Harvey established a community there and built a dam to power a lumber mill. The settlement was initially named Epsport, after his wife’s family name, but its name was later changed to Monistique to match the river. When this name was registered with the state, an “a” was used instead of an “o” and the town became Manistique. Monistique is derived from Onamanitikong, a Native American word meaning “vermilion” that was applied to the river on account of the reddish hue of its water.
Schoolcraft County, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, was established in 1843 and named after Henry Schoolcraft, a prominent geographer and ethnologist. The county's development was significantly influenced by its abundant natural resources, particularly timber, which attracted early settlers and industry. The logging boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries spurred economic growth, leading to the establishment of towns and infrastructure. The county seat, Manistique, became a focal point for transportation and commerce due to its strategic location along Lake Michigan and the Manistique River. Over time, as the logging industry declined, the county diversified its economy, focusing more on tourism, recreation, and preserving its natural beauty, which includes parts of the Hiawatha National Forest. Today, Schoolcraft County is known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities, reflecting its evolution from a resource-driven economy to a more balanced and sustainable community.
Today the Manistique area is known for several of our famous tourist attractions, one being Kitch-iti-kipi, also known as Big Springs. Manistique is a family friendly city located along the 200 beautiful miles of lake Michigan and has truly transformed since the 1800's.
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To learn more about our area's rich history, we invite you to discover our local Historical Society's below.
Schoolcraft County Historical Society
Here you’ll find the most extensive collection of objects and archives related to Schoolcraft County.
Gulliver
Historical Society
Visit Seul Choix Light House and Museum for more local history.