Manhattan History:

On April 27, 1855, the Cincinnati and Kansas Land Company left Cincinnati, Ohio, on the steamboat Hartford, bound for central Kansas. The plan was to head west via the Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri and Kansas rivers and found a community in Kansas Territory.

New York investors in the land company had insisted on the name, Manhattan, for the new town. Sandbars grounded the Hartford near present-day Manhattan site where a new town of Boston was being established. The Bostonians liked the new arrivals, convinced them to stay and re-named the town Manhattan. 

With Manhattan, New York, known as “The Big Apple,” it was natural for Manhattan, Kansas, to become known as “The Little Apple.” Manhattan, Kansas was first called The Little Apple as early as 1977.

Historical Attractions in Manhattan

A visit to the Goodnow House is more than a glimpse into domestic life in the 1800s, it tells the story of free-staters who wanted organized and equal education for the boys and girls of Kansas. Isaac Goodnow, one of Manhattan’s founders, and his wife, Ellen, built this unique stone farmhouse, which still holds many original furnishings and documents. Isaac started the Kansas State Teachers Association and established the college that became Kansas State University. Learn more about the Goodnows, the people of the free-state movement, and their stories when you visit this native stone residence and barn.
Hours: Saturday - Sunday 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, or by appointment.
2301 Claflin Rd., (785) 565-6490.

As the first land grant university under the Morrill Act, Kansas State University opened its doors in 1863 on the grounds of the old Bluemont Central College, which was chartered in 1858. The university moved to its present site in 1875. Most of the original buildings and locations mentioned in University history are still standing, including the famous Anderson Hall. Originally known as the Practical Agriculture building, and commonly called the Main College building, Anderson Hall was formally named in 1902. It was named to honor President John A. Anderson, who served 1873-1879. All the presidents of Kansas State University have used Anderson Hall for their headquarters, with the exception of President Joseph Denison who predates the building, 1863-1873. The building was added to the national historic register in 1980.
For University tour information, contact the University at (785) 532-6373 or view the online tour.

On October 12, 1915, the foundation of the Pioneer Log Cabin at City Park was laid. The stone came from the first building of the Kansas State Agricultural College and contains a box with historical papers. Built to show young people the kinds of houses early settlers lived in, the cabin features relics including farming tools, medicinal tools and ordinary household appliances of the period.

Discover the past through changing exhibits on Manhattan and county history in the Riley County Historical Museum through the photographs, manuscripts, letters, diaries and records of their research library.
2309 Claflin Road, Manhattan, Kansas 66502
Phone: (785) 565-6490  Fax: (785) 565-6491
Find out what is featured in the Riley County Historical Museum’s exhibits.

John Frank built the Wolf House of native limestone in 1868 as a boarding house, advertised as the German Boarding House.  In 1875, Dr. George Hazard Perry III and his wife purchased the house.  Their family occupied it for the next 63 years, until 1938.  Lucile Wolf, along with her husband Max acquired the house in 1941 until Max's death.  Mrs. Wolf gave the house to the Riley County Historical Society in 1982, where it has gone through continual renovation and care to preserve it to a period between 1883 - 1895
Hours: Saturday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm and Sunday 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, or by appointment. 630 Fremont, (785) 565-6490.