Thorp in 1870 was a land of timber; the abundant pines and hardwoods were the base of the areas first industries, in shingles, barrel staves, and charcoal. The earth furnished red clay for bricks used to construct businesses and homes, many of which are still in use.

When James and Ephrime Boardman built the first cabins, there were no roads, not even an Indian trail for a guide. The homestead was ten miles from a neighbor, with camps of Chippewa Indians in what are now the townships of Reseburg, Worden and Butler.

New settlers followed; trails, and then roads, were carved out of the wilderness. Farms sprang up on the fertile land, then schools, saloons, general stores, and churches, were established. Within ten years, there was the beginning of a thriving community. The Village of Thorp was established on May 29, 1893 with a population of 883. In April 1948 the Village of Thorp became the City of Thorp with a population of 1,052.