By the 20th century, Manton had an estimated population of about 2,000 people, and logging, ranching, and the power company were the main sources of employment in the area. There were up to eight schools in the Manton area with an estimated 200 children in attendance, but economic decline reduced both the population and the number of schools, and the remaining schools were consolidated into the Manton Joint School District. The Manton Schoolhouse was built circa 1920 and served until 1947, when the first wing of the present day school was built. Today the building serves as the Manton Museum, established in 1995 by the Manton Historical Society.