Near the shore of Muskegon Lake stood the first Indian fur trading post in Muskegon County. It was established in 1812 by Jean Baptiste Recollect, a French fur trader believed to be the area's first white settler. Recollect remained there for about a year before a new manager took over. The Muskegon post operated successfully for many years, and remains of the chimney of Recollect's station were still visible as late as 1836.