MANISTEE

city, seat (1855) of Manistee county, northwestern Michigan, U.S., between Lake Michigan and Manistee Lake. The city is situated at the mouth of the Manistee River, 85 miles (137 km) north of Muskegon. Built on the river site that the Chippewa Indians called Manistee (spirit of the woods), it was one of the state's liveliest lumber camps in the mid-19th century but was largely destroyed by fire in 1871. When timber supplies were exhausted, Manistee developed as a health resort and as a leading producer of salt (based on local deposits). The surrounding area, which includes Manistee National Forest, is known for its fishing (salmon and trout) and deer hunting. Manufactures include clothing, chemicals, machinery, and wood and wood-pulp products. The city is also an agricultural (fruit and potatoes) shipping point. Local landmarks are the Ramsdell Opera House, the Manistee County Historical Museum, and the Old Water Works Building. Orchard Beach State Park is nearby. Inc. city, 1869. Pop. (1990) 6,734.