Manitou County, Michigan facts for kids
Manitou County was a special county in the U.S. state of Michigan. It was made up of several islands in Lake Michigan. These islands included Beaver Island and its nearby islands, plus the North and South Manitou Islands, and the Fox Islands.
Manitou County existed from 1855 to 1895. The main town and government center (called the county seat) was St. James on Beaver Island.
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Early Island Life: Before Manitou County
Before 1836, Native American groups lived on these islands. After a special agreement called the Treaty of Washington, these groups gave up their land claims in this part of Northern Michigan.
At first, the islands were officially part of Michilimackinac County (which later became Mackinac County). In 1840, the islands were divided. The Manitou Islands became part of Leelanau County. The Beaver Island group became part of Tonedagana County, which was quickly renamed Emmet County. These new counties were still managed by Mackinac County.
In 1853, Emmet County started its own local government. The Manitou Islands then became managed by Grand Traverse County, Michigan.
King Strang and the Beaver Island Colony
In 1847, a religious leader named James J. Strang started a community on Beaver Island. Strang was part of the Latter-day Saint movement. In 1850, he declared himself king of his church. He was also elected to the Michigan House of Representatives (the state's law-making body) in 1853 and again in 1855.
Many people were worried about Strang's religious group and how much political power he had. Because of this, people asked the state government to separate Beaver Island and the Fox Islands from Emmet County. They wanted these islands to form their own county. This request was approved in 1855. The Manitou Islands were also included in this new county, and it was named after them, even though very few people lived there at the time.
Manitou County: 1855 to 1895
When Manitou County was formed in 1855, its islands were divided into townships. The Manitou Islands became Chandler Township. The Fox Islands became Galilee Township. The Beaver Islands became Peaine Township. Later, the northern part of Peaine Township became St. James Township.
Changes After King Strang
In 1856, "King Strang" was killed. After this, most of his followers were forced to leave Beaver Island by people who were not part of their religion.
With many people gone, the local government of Manitou County stopped working. So, in 1861, Manitou County was attached to Mackinac County for management. In 1865, it was attached to Leelanau County, which had started its own government in 1863. The attachment switched back to Mackinac County in 1869.
End of Manitou County
The first idea to close down Manitou County happened in 1877. Governor John J. Bagley told the state government that the laws were not being followed in Manitou County. He said there was no safety for people or their property. He also mentioned that courts had not met for years, county offices were often empty, and there was no jail. He suggested that the county be closed and its land attached to Charlevoix County.
Nothing happened at that time. But in 1895, the issue came up again. This time, the state government agreed. They decided to close Manitou County. The Beaver Islands became part of Charlevoix County. The Manitou and Fox Islands became part of Leelanau County.
When Manitou County was closed, its population was 917 people. About 177 people lived on the Manitou and Fox Islands, and 740 lived on the Beaver Islands.
After the county was dissolved:
- South Manitou Island became part of Glen Arbor Township.
- North Manitou Island became part of Leland Township.
- The Fox Islands became part of Leelanau Township.
- The two townships on Beaver Island (Peaine and St. James) still exist today.
