The Rise and Fall of a Michigan Ghost County

Once upon a time, Michigan had a county that no longer exists on the map: Manitou County. This fascinating “ghost county” came into existence in 1855, encompassing Beaver Island, the Fox Islands, and the North and South Manitou Islands in Lake Michigan. Its county seat, St. James, was nestled on Beaver Island, where the story of Manitou County intersects with an enigmatic figure: James Jesse Strang.

The Curious Creation of Manitou County

Manitou County owes its name, likely, to Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, the man behind the poetic naming of many Michigan counties. Schoolcraft had a penchant for weaving Native American-inspired names into Michigan’s geography, and Manitou—named after the Manitou Islands—was no exception. Other counties bearing his influence include Alpena, Tuscola, and Leelanau.

Manitou County was officially formed on February 12, 1855, during a time when Beaver Island was under the unique leadership of James Jesse Strang. Strang, a self-proclaimed Mormon king, turned Beaver Island into a bustling hub for his followers. His influence extended beyond religion—Strang served as a state legislator and spearheaded a legislative move that reorganized Emmet County, bringing Beaver Island and neighboring isles under Manitou County’s jurisdiction.

But Strang’s reign was short-lived. His attempts at political independence and control led to fierce opposition from mainland communities. Strang was assassinated in 1856, and in the aftermath, the Strangite Mormons were forcibly removed from the island.

A County in Chaos

Without the unifying (and polarizing) leadership of Strang, Manitou County struggled. Decades passed, but its governance remained in disarray. By 1877, then-Governor John J. Bagley expressed grave concerns, describing Manitou as a lawless place devoid of functioning courts, jails, or governance. Despite his recommendation to dissolve the county, it would take nearly two more decades before action was taken.

On April 4, 1895, the Michigan Legislature formally repealed Manitou County’s organization. Its territory was divided between Charlevoix and Leelanau counties, ending forty years of turbulent existence.

Michigan’s Other “Ghost Counties”

Manitou isn’t Michigan’s only extinct county. Take Isle Royale County, created in 1875 and dissolved in 1897, its territory folded back into Keweenaw County. Or Omeena County, established in 1840 and later absorbed into Grand Traverse County in 1851. These counties, along with 25 others, are now footnotes in Michigan’s history. They exist only on archival maps and in the memories of history buffs.

A Legacy in the Islands

Today, the islands of the former Manitou County are beloved for their natural beauty. Beaver Island, North and South Manitou Islands, and the Fox Islands draw adventurers, historians, and nature lovers alike. St. James, the onetime county seat, remains a quiet but intriguing destination on Beaver Island, where echoes of the past can still be felt.

Manitou County may be long gone, but its story—of ambition, conflict, and eventual dissolution—offers a window into Michigan’s wild, formative years. Next time you visit these islands, think of the forgotten county that once claimed them as its own.

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.