Michigan's 'Ghost Counties' Reveal Stories of Boom, Bust, and Power

Two remote Michigan counties were created and then dissolved in the 19th century, reflecting the state's changing settlement patterns and economic forces.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:33pm

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During the 19th century, Michigan briefly created two counties - Manitou County and Isle Royale County - in remote parts of the state as settlement spread. Manitou County was established in 1855 by a self-proclaimed Mormon king named James Jesse Strang, who sought to create a religious refuge on the islands of Lake Michigan. Isle Royale County was created in 1875 during the peak of the copper mining industry on the remote island. However, both counties were short-lived, as they lacked the population and tax base to sustain themselves, and were eventually absorbed by larger neighboring counties.

Why it matters

The rise and fall of these 'ghost counties' reflects the dynamic settlement patterns and economic forces that shaped Michigan in the 19th century. They highlight how the state's political geography was not fixed, but rather evolved in response to factors like religious movements, resource extraction, and population shifts. Understanding these forgotten counties provides insight into Michigan's history and the challenges faced by remote communities in establishing viable local governments.

The details

Manitou County was established in 1855 by James Jesse Strang, a self-proclaimed Mormon king, who sought to create a religious refuge on the islands of Lake Michigan. Strang was able to get the Michigan legislature to redraw the boundaries of Emmet County to include Beaver Island, which became the seat of Manitou County. However, Strang's tight control over the county and his controversial religious leadership led to his assassination in 1856. Without a successor, Manitou County fell into disarray and was eventually dissolved in 1895, with its territory divided between Charlevoix and Leelanau counties. Isle Royale County was created in 1875 during the peak of the copper mining industry on the remote island. The county was established solely to support the copper mining operations, but when the industry declined, the small county could not financially sustain itself. Isle Royale County was dissolved in 1897 and became part of Keweenaw County.

  • Manitou County was established in 1855.
  • James Jesse Strang was assassinated in 1856.
  • Manitou County was dissolved in 1895.
  • Isle Royale County was created in 1875.
  • Isle Royale County was dissolved in 1897.

The players

James Jesse Strang

A self-proclaimed Mormon king who promoted Manitou County as a place for Mormons seeking religious refuge in the late 1840s. Strang was able to get the Michigan legislature to redraw the boundaries of Emmet County to include Beaver Island, which became the seat of Manitou County.

Manitou County

A county established in 1855 that encompassed the remote islands in northwest Lake Michigan, including Manitou, Beaver and the Fox Islands.

Isle Royale County

A county created in 1875 during the peak of the copper mining industry on the remote island of Isle Royale.

Keweenaw County

The county that absorbed Isle Royale County when it was dissolved in 1897.

Charlevoix County

The county that absorbed part of the territory of Manitou County when it was dissolved in 1895.

Leelanau County

The county that absorbed part of the territory of Manitou County when it was dissolved in 1895.

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What they’re saying

“They just didn't have the population to maintain itself. For the most part, especially during the mid-19th century, these counties are relying on their taxes to help keep them going.”

— Rachel Clark, Archivist, Archives of Michigan

“Once those taxes are gone … there's nothing to maintain these counties, so they get absorbed into larger counties.”

— Rachel Clark, Archivist, Archives of Michigan

“The county was established solely because there was a mine there. It wasn't like there was a population of any significance. A county needs to have a decent amount of land mass … and a reasonably sized population.”

— Larry Wagenaar, Executive Director, Historical Society of Michigan

“Manitou Island and Isle Royale, 'were made for very specific purposes that probably weren't even valid at the time. The land mass that's involved with these two locations is small.”

— Larry Wagenaar, Executive Director, Historical Society of Michigan

The takeaway

The rise and fall of Michigan's 'ghost counties' like Manitou and Isle Royale reflect the dynamic forces that shaped the state's political geography in the 19th century. These forgotten counties highlight how local governments in remote areas struggled to maintain viability, underscoring the challenges faced by small communities in an era of rapid settlement and economic change.