In 1882 another village was founded on Bar Lake called Burnhamville and centered around a lumber mill.

[5] Arcadia's early history was dominated by Henry Starke, a Milwaukeean who established a lucrative lumber mill.

Starke also established Trinity Lutheran Church, Arcadia's most prominent structure and a Michigan state historic site.

In 1906 Starke's lumber mill burned to the ground and was replaced by the Arcadia Furniture Factory.

[6] The town is the birthplace of Harriet Quimby, America's first female aviator.

Arcadia Township occupies the northwest corner of Manistee County.

It is bordered to the north by Benzie County and to the west by Lake Michigan.