The Rise and Fall of Manistee Michigan's Timber Industry

Source: United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. [Au Sable Logging] [Photograph]. Huron-Manistee National Forests. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfs-hmnf/23630909216

Manistee County, situated along the shores of Lake Michigan in the northwestern region of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, was instrumental in the state's timber industry throughout the 19th century. The area's abundant white pine forests, navigable waterways, and its proximity to burgeoning urban centers such as Chicago and Milwaukee established it as a prime logging location. In contrast to numerous other timber towns that were primarily influenced by external investors, the timber industry in Manistee largely remained under local governance, significantly impacting its economy and community for many years.

Early Settlement and the Birth of the Timber Industry (1820s–1850s)

Initially, the Manistee region was home to Indigenous peoples, but the Treaty of Washington in 1836 nullified their land claims, resulting in the establishment of a 70,000-acre reservation along the Manistee River. This reservation, however, was short-lived, and by 1849, the land was made available for purchase by white settlers. Prior to the formalization of land sales, illegal logging activities were widespread. As early as the 1830s, white squatters were cutting down trees on federal land without facing any repercussions. This environment facilitated Manistee's swift evolution into a logging center. In 1841, Scottish lumbermen John and Joseph Stronach arrived, establishing the first permanent white settlement. They constructed a sawmill, and within ten years, four additional mills were operational. Despite the initiation of official land sales in the late 1840s, many early lumbermen disregarded federal regulations and continued to harvest timber without acquiring land.

Boom Years: Growth and Local Control (1860s–1880s)

The population of Manistee surged in tandem with the growth of its timber industry:

• 1860: The population reached 972, with nine sawmills in operation. 
• 1870: The population soared to 5,956, solidifying Manistee's status as a significant timber center. 
• 1880: The population climbed to 12,211, with most of the available land in the county already acquired.

Unlike many other timber towns, the industry in Manistee remained under local control. Nearly half of the land purchased from the federal government was acquired by residents of Manistee County, with only 15% going to buyers from outside Michigan. Many sawmill owners were residents.

Not all individuals adhered to the established regulations. Timber harvesting frequently occurred prior to land transactions, and federal efforts to enforce logging laws faced significant resistance. During the years 1853 to 1854, government officials attempted to address illegal logging activities, only to encounter hostility from agitated crowds. One official was even restrained in handcuffs overnight to prevent his escape; however, he ultimately managed to evade capture and return to Manistee. The economy of Manistee flourished, yet it was characterized by a rugged logging culture. Although the official census recorded merely two saloon proprietors, drinking and brawling were prevalent activities among the predominantly male populace. An early settler recounted that weekly fights were so intense that nearby pine trees were stripped of their bark as men were hurled against them. Still, even in this unruly environment, attempts were made to establish some semblance of order, including the recruitment of a Catholic priest to intervene in the drunken altercations that occurred on Sundays.

Challenges and the Beginning of Decline (1890s–1900s)

By the 1890s, the white pine forests of Manistee were rapidly vanishing, signaling the conclusion of the industry's prosperous era. Extensive logging had significantly depleted the timberland, and although sawmills continued to function, the availability of easily accessible trees was diminishing. This decline in the lumber industry was reflective of the trends observed in numerous other lumber towns across Michigan. While some regions adapted by shifting towards agriculture or tourism, Manistee's sandy soil proved unsuitable for farming endeavors. Many individuals categorized as "farmers" in census data were, in fact, seasonal loggers who abandoned their properties once the timber resources were exhausted. As logging employment opportunities dwindled, a considerable number of residents departed from Manistee in pursuit of better prospects, resulting in a notable decrease in the population during the early 20th century.

Legacy of the Timber Era

The conclusion of Manistee’s timber boom has left a legacy in the region that remains apparent today. Numerous affluent lumber magnates chose to reinvest their fortunes into the community, establishing residences, educational institutions, and enterprises that significantly influenced the town's development. The historic district of Manistee, characterized by its impressive 19th-century architecture, stands as a monument to the prosperity once enjoyed by its timber industry. The narrative of Manistee’s timber empire encompasses themes of opportunity, resilience, and transformation. In contrast to many other boomtowns dominated by external investors, the inhabitants of Manistee were instrumental in determining their economic future. Nevertheless, the industry's unsustainable methods ultimately precipitated its decline, resulting in a community that was compelled to adapt and redefine itself for the challenges of the new century.

My Family History with Logging

My great grandfather, Johann August Fredrick, immigrated to Manistee in the early 1870s. He worked at a sawmill in Manistee and lived there until he bought land near Brethren, Manistee, Michigan in 1901.

Sources:

• Blackburn, G. & Ricards, S. (1970). A Demographic History of the West: Manistee County, Michigan, 1860. The Journal of American History.
• Blackburn, G. & Ricards, S. (1974). The Timber Industry in Manistee County, Michigan: A Case History in Local Control. Journal of Forest History.

Disclaimer: The use of ChatGPT was used for this blog post. It was used to create the source citations and a timeline which I followed to write the blog post, the headings used were from the AI timeline.