History

The idea of Manton was started in the 1860’s by a small group of men that were located around the area. At the time, Manton Bostick’s Drug Store, Museum display was a heavily wooded forest, mostly hard maple. The only semblance of a break in the woods was a narrow cut where the town was platted.

The first plat was called Cedar Creek, but the railroad company subsequently platted a tract of land adjoining the first plat and named it Manton. The railroad had already named the station Manton and soon the entire village was known by that name. The railroad plat was the first one registered (1874). The Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, after delays due to financial difficulties and poor management, finally reached Cadillac (known as Clam Lake then) in 1870. Construction continued to move north and within months it was completed through Manton. The station was built early in 1873. An early newspaper account read: “The town plat contains thirty acres lying on both sides of the G.R. and I.R.R. and is situated in the midst of a splendid farming country. As yet few buildings have been erected, but Mr. Manton informs us that over thirty will be erected in the spring. Good building lots are presently worth $125 to $150. A saw mill has been erected by Mr. R.W. Corson.”

Visit the Manton Area Historical Museum, located on the east side of US-131, three blocks north of the M-42 and US-131 intersection. The Museum is open May-October, Tuesday – Saturday, 12-4 pm and on Sunday, 1-4 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission By Donation. Phone (231) 824-3208

Visit the Veteran’s Memorial Museum, located adjacent to the Manton Area Historical Museum at 310 N. Michigan Ave. The Veteran’s Memorial Museum is open every year from May-October, Thursday – Saturday, 12-4 pm Contact information Neal Bennett 231-824-9504. These museums are open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day

​

More Resources on the History of Manton

​

Manton Michigan – Wikipedia
Manton Michigan History – Facebook
Manton Michigan History Museum – Pure Michigan
City of Manton Michigan
Wexford County Genealogy – Manton