History Of Manson

Where Manson’s Story Begins

The history of the Manson area reaches back thousands of years. The Chelan people lived throughout the Lake Chelan Valley, fishing, hunting, gathering native foods, and caring for the land and waterways that sustained their communities. Among the area’s early agricultural figures was Wapato John, a respected Chelan leader, rancher, trader, and farmer. He became closely connected to the north shore of Lake Chelan and remains an important part of the region’s story. During the late 1800s, orchards began appearing across the hillsides. Peter Wapato and Ben Martin had each planted apple orchards before 1890, beginning an agricultural tradition that would shape Manson for generations.

How Did Manson Get Its Name?

In 1911, A. Bergman supervised the grading of approximately 100 acres for a new townsite along the north shore of Lake Chelan. The community was named Manson in honor of Manson Backus, father of Leroy M. Backus, president of the Lake Chelan Land Company.

At the time, the company owned approximately 6,500 acres and planned to irrigate and divide the land into parcels suitable for farming. This investment helped establish the foundation for the orchards, businesses, and neighborhoods that followed.

Among the area’s early agricultural figures was Wapato John, a respected Chelan leader, rancher, trader, and farmer. He became closely connected to the north shore of Lake Chelan and remains an important part of the region’s story.

During the late 1800s, orchards began appearing across the hillsides. Peter Wapato and Ben Martin had each planted apple orchards before 1890, beginning an agricultural tradition that would shape Manson for generations.

Manson Backus, the father of Leroy M. Backus president of the Lake Chelan Land Company.
Before 1890
Farming Takes Root

Peter Wapato and Ben Martin established some of the area’s earliest apple orchards. Agriculture quickly became central to Manson’s identity and economy.

1911
The Manson Townsite

Approximately 100 acres were graded for the new townsite, which was named after Manson Backus.

1921
A Community in Bloom

Nearly 500 residents and visitors gathered for the first documented Manson Apple Blossom Festival, beginning a tradition that continues today.

1925
A Growing Agricultural Center

The Manson Fruit Growers packing shed—known locally as the “Unit”—was operating by 1925. Downtown included stores, a post office, garage, school, library, hardware store, barber shop, beauty shop, and drugstore.

1931
Timber and Industry

The Chelan Box and Manufacturing Company and its Mill Bay sawmill became a major local employer, operating two shifts with approximately 80 workers each.

1967
The End of a Local Industry

The manufacturing company closed in 1967. Two years later, a fire destroyed the sawmill and brought another important chapter of Manson’s industrial history to a close.

Late 1990s
From Orchards to Vineyards

Following a downturn in the apple market, local growers began exploring wine grapes as a new use for the valley’s agricultural land. The first modern production vineyards were planted in 1998, with some former orchard acreage converted to vineyards. These early plantings helped launch a new chapter in the Lake Chelan Valley’s farming history.

2009
The Lake Chelan AVA

Lake Chelan was officially designated an American Viticultural Area in 2009, becoming Washington State’s 11th recognized AVA. The designation recognized the valley’s distinctive soils, elevations, and lake-moderated climate. Manson’s vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms have since become an important part of the community’s economy, agricultural heritage, and visitor experience

Today
History Still Lives Here

Today, Manson’s orchards, vineyards, wineries, locally owned businesses, celebrations, and outdoor traditions reflect both its agricultural roots and its continued evolution. While the community has changed over time, its connection to the land—and the people who care for it—remains at the heart of Manson.

Preserving the Stories of Our Community

Read the Panel Stories

The Historic Manson Main Street Association is working to identify, preserve, and celebrate the historical and cultural identity of Manson. Through community-led projects, downtown improvements, and local storytelling, the organization is helping ensure Manson’s heritage remains visible and meaningful for future generations.

Its work connects the community’s past with the future of downtown—creating a stronger sense of place for residents while giving visitors a deeper understanding of the people, traditions, and events that shaped Manson.