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Manhattan, Kansas

Manhattan, Kansas

It all began in the spring of 1855 when the Cincinnati and Kansas Land Co. left Ohio on the steamboat Hartford. They were headed for central Kansas via the Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri, and Kansas Rivers. Their goal: to settle a town and name it Manhattan, thinking it might become a second Manhattan, New York.

On the way up the Kansas River, three men stopped, went ashore, and hired a wagon. They drove to what is now Junction city, where they intended to start the Manhattan of the Midwest.

But the Hartford ran aground in the Kansas River south of the confluence of the Blue and Kansas Rivers.

The Cincinnati and Kansas Land Co. and all of the small groups of settlers already in the area joined forces to form a town, which they agreed to call Manhattan.

Manhattan has grown steadily since then. Although Manhattan, Kansas, may not be another New York City in size, residents of Manhattan of the Midwest think you'll savor the savvy of "The Little Apple."

"The Little Apple" is home to more than 40,000 people today. Manhattan is nestled in among the picturesque Flint Hills, so named for their numerous bands of limestone and flint.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Riley County Courthouse

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places the dominating limestone Courthouse was completed in 1906, built by Topeka contractor, J.B. Betts, and local contractor, Clarence Johnson. The citizens pledged $1,000 for the tower clock.

Manhattan, KS Historic Courthouses

Carnegie Library

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Carnegie Library was built in 1904 with the help of a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie. The building is located just to the west of the Courthouse and now houses the county attorney's office.

Manhattan, KS Carnegie Libraries

First National Bank Building

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the First National Bank was at this location from 1887 to 1912.

This building and its twin building next door were built by J.N. Limbocker and are now part of the Manhattan Town Center structure.

Manhattan, KS Historic Buildings

Pottawatomie Lake #2

State Fishing Lake No. 2.is located about four miles northeast of Manhattan. Pottawatomie Lake #2 is a scenic lake of about 75 acres that holds nice populations of crappie, largemouth bass and bluegill. The lake also produces impressive strings of channel catfish and holds some very nice walleyes.

Manhattan, KS Recreation

Wolf Butterfield House Museum

The Wolf Butterfield House served as a way station for the Butterfield Stage Line started by David Butterfield in 1865. The limestone house contained dining and sleeping faciltities as well as a tavern for stage line patrons.

Manhattan, KS Museums

Things to do near Manhattan, KS