National Register Listing

First Congregational Church

412 S. 4th St., Manistee, MI
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Religion; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture religion social history
Michigan is the only state to have two designated "state stones": the Petoskey Stone, which is the state stone of Michigan, and the Isle Royale Greenstone, which is the state gemstone of Michigan. The Petoskey Stone is a fossilized coral that is found primarily in the northern Lower Peninsula, while the Isle Royale Greenstone is a rare mineral found only on Isle Royale in Lake Superior.
Michigan random facts
Manistee County, located in the northwestern part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was once inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Anishinaabe and Ottawa peoples, who lived off the land and utilized the resources of the area. European exploration of the area began in the 17th century when French fur traders established trading posts along the Great Lakes, bringing significant changes to the region.

In the early 19th century, as more settlers arrived in the area, the Manistee River became a central transportation route for the timber industry. Timber barons recognized the vast resources of white pine forests and established sawmills along the river, turning Manistee into one of the major lumbering centers in the state. The growth of the logging industry led to the rapid development of Manistee, with the city being incorporated in 1869.

With the decline of the timber industry towards the end of the 19th century, Manistee experienced a period of economic decline. However, the discovery of oil in the area in the early 20th century led to renewed prosperity. Oil wells dotted the landscape, attracting new residents and businesses to the county.

Today, Manistee County is known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The county is home to the Manistee National Forest, which offers excellent hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. The historical legacy of the timber industry can still be seen in the county, with preserved lumber era buildings and museums. Manistee continues to be a popular tourist destination, welcoming visitors to its picturesque beaches, charming downtown, and vibrant arts and culture scene.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Manistee County, Michigan.

  • 1836 - Manistee County was established by an act of the Michigan Legislature.
  • 1840 - The first permanent settlement, called "Me-she-nah-ma-gong" by the Native Americans, was made.
  • 1853 - Manistee was incorporated as a village.
  • 1869 - Manistee became a city.
  • 1870 - The first railroad, the Manistee and North Eastern, was completed.
  • 1871 - The first newspaper, the Manistee Times, was published.
  • 1882 - The Manistee National Forest was established.
  • 1891 - The Ramsdell Theatre was built, becoming one of Michigan's oldest and most active theater venues.
  • 1955 - The Michigan decoration plant, which produced ammunition during World War II, was dismantled.
  • 1963 - The Manistee National Forest was combined with the Huron National Forest to form the Manistee National Forest.