A Campau trading post was established as early as 1825 in Manlius Township at point where the Rabbit River empties in the Kalamazoo. The first public highway was cut out from New Richmond toward Allegan in 1838. The township, previously a part of Newark, was organized by an act of the legislature in 1839; Fillmore Township was subsequently added but separated in 1849. Manlius received it's name from the town of Manlius, NY, which was the birthplace of an early settler in the township. The first permanent settlement was started in 1836 at New Richmond (named for Richmond, VA), and a post office was established there in 1837. Hollanders settled in East Saugatuck about 1859.