The Beginnings of Montague, Michigan

Montague, located on the southern shore of White Lake, began taking shape in the mid-1800s. During the lumber boom of the 1860s, workers and entrepreneurs moved into the area in search of opportunity. They built mills, homes, and businesses to support the fast-growing timber trade.

Captain Henry Montague, a land commissioner from Kalamazoo, played a key role in the city’s name. Although he never lived there, the town honored him during the push for development and postal services. By 1865, the Montague Mill Company had launched operations under the leadership of William Mears and other investors. Montague quickly became an economic hub filled with lumber, laborers, and lake traffic.

The village gained its post office in 1867, the same year it was officially incorporated. Trains soon arrived, making it easier to move goods. As the timber faded, farming, tourism, and industry helped the town continue to grow through the early 1900s.

The Founding of Whitehall, Michigan

Across the lake to the north, Whitehall took root even earlier. Charles Mears, a powerful lumberman from Michigan, arrived in 1859. He purchased land, opened a sawmill, and began designing the future town. Workers cleared land and created streets, while Mears oversaw the start of industrial operations.

Originally, residents tried to name the town “Mears,” but that name was rejected for postal use. They chose “Whitehall” instead, possibly inspired by White Lake or a New York town of the same name. Mears didn’t stop at just a sawmill—he also financed a channel connecting White Lake to Lake Michigan. Completed in 1862, the channel allowed schooners to carry lumber to Chicago, Milwaukee, and beyond.

By 1860, Whitehall had an active post office. In 1867, the village was incorporated, marking a new chapter in local government. Like Montague, Whitehall grew through the timber era but later adapted to changing times.

Shared Growth and Industry

While separated by White Lake, Montague and Whitehall developed together. Both towns relied heavily on the lumber industry, which dominated the area for decades. Workers floated logs down nearby rivers, operated mills, and loaded lumber onto ships for export. The arrival of railroads in the 1870s allowed even more goods to leave the area.

As forests thinned, both towns turned to new industries. Tourism became important as travelers discovered the lake’s beauty. Summer homes, hotels, and resorts appeared near the shore. The lake and its channel remained a major attraction for residents and visitors alike.

Legacy and Modern Development

Today, Montague and Whitehall preserve their historic charm while embracing modern growth. Their origins, rooted in the lumber industry, still shape their culture and layout. Historic buildings, public parks, and marinas remind people of the towns’ roles in Michigan’s early economic story.

Although over 150 years have passed since their founding, both communities continue to thrive. Festivals, local schools, and businesses bring people together, just like they did in the 1800s. White Lake still connects the two towns, just as history does.