Manton in Wexford County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Battle of Manton
Photographed By Craig Doda, January 15, 2022
1. Battle of Manton Marker
Inscription.
Battle of Manton. . In 1881 Manton became the Wexford County seat as a result of a compromise between Cadillac and Sherman. Those towns had quarreled over the issue for years. Cadillac partisans renewed the feud and won the county seat at an election in April, 1882. After the election a sheriff's posse left Cadillac for Manton by special train to seize the county records. An angry crowd confronted the Cadillac men and drove them out of town. Collecting several hundred lumbermen, a supply of whiskey, and a brass band, the sheriff returned to demand the records. Manton residents barricaded the courthouse, but the posse broke through doors and windows, seized the documents, and returned to Cadillac triumphant. Cadillac was victorious, but the battle of Manton left injuries and hard feelings.
In 1881 Manton became the Wexford County seat as a result of a compromise between Cadillac and Sherman. Those towns had quarreled over the issue for years. Cadillac partisans renewed the feud and won the county seat at an election in April, 1882.
After the election a sheriff's posse left Cadillac for Manton by special
train to seize the county records. An angry crowd confronted the Cadillac
men and drove them out of town. Collecting several hundred lumbermen, a
supply of whiskey, and a brass band, the sheriff returned to demand the
records. Manton residents barricaded the courthouse, but the posse broke
through doors and windows, seized the documents, and returned to
Cadillac triumphant. Cadillac was victorious, but the battle of Manton
left injuries and hard feelings.
Erected 1970 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number L79.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1882.
Location. 44° 24.843′ N, 85° 23.888′ W. Marker is in Manton, Michigan, in Wexford County. Marker is on North Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manton MI 49663, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 577 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on January 18, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
