Manitou Camp

Manitou Island, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, WI
Significance: The Manitou Camp is an important historical site because it is the area's only intact, unaltered site representative of a lifestyle that was basic to the development of the Old Northwest that of the European male without family ties, who survived on the resources of the land and whose life was characterized by transiency and seasonal changes of the men who occupied the Manitou Camp, same logged, some fished, some did both. The camp represents a particularly rugged aspect of commercial fishing as it is practiced in this area and one that is not found in other surviving island camps, namely, winter fishing-both open water herring fishing and gill-netting through the ice. The buildings of the Manitou Camp, which have not been structurally altered since they were constructed, contain a wealth of objects and implements remaining from the first historic occupants of the site to the most recent. Many objects related to winter fishing as it has been practiced since the nineteenth century remain in situ at the camp. Artifacts underground are expected to be numerous and in good condition because of the nature of the soils at the site. The site has not been disturbed; the historic scene is intact.
Local significance of the building:
Industry; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

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.

The famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright was born and raised in Wisconsin. Many of his most famous buildings, including Taliesin and the Johnson Wax headquarters, are located in the state.
Ashland County, Wisconsin has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and other Native American tribes. European exploration and settlement began in the late 17th century, with French fur traders and missionaries establishing a presence in the region. The area was heavily involved in the fur trade, with trappers and traders using the nearby waterways to transport goods.

In the mid-19th century, Ashland County saw a significant influx of settlers due to the discovery of copper and iron ore deposits. Mining operations boomed, attracting people from all over the country. The city of Ashland was founded in 1854 as a mining town and quickly became a major center for shipping ore and supplies. The mining industry played a crucial role in the development of the county, providing jobs and economic growth.

The arrival of the railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to Ashland County's growth. The railroads improved transportation and allowed for the expansion of industries such as logging and agriculture. Timber became a major industry, with vast forests providing a steady supply of lumber. Agriculture also thrived, with dairy farming becoming particularly important.

Throughout the 20th century, Ashland County experienced both prosperity and challenges. The decline of the mining and logging industries in the latter part of the century had a significant impact on the local economy. However, the county has continued to adapt and diversify, with tourism and outdoor recreation becoming increasingly important. Ashland County is now known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which attract visitors from all over the world.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ashland County, Wisconsin.

  • 1860: Ashland County is created by the Wisconsin State Legislature
  • 1870: Ashland becomes the county seat
  • 1870s: Logging and sawmills drive the local economy
  • 1883: The Wisconsin Central Railroad reaches Ashland
  • 1894: Ashland experiences a devastating fire that destroys most of the city
  • 1900: The population of Ashland County reaches its peak
  • 1920s: The decline of the lumber industry leads to a shift in the local economy towards tourism and agriculture
  • 1940s: Ashland County contributes to the war effort during World War II
  • 1970s: The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is established, boosting tourism in the area
  • 1990s: The population of Ashland County begins to decline