Historic Manhattan
Manhattan thrives with the history of our founding fathers and the pioneer spirit. From historic homes to locations of pioneers who once crossed the prairie, Manhattan offers a variety of historical sights for the history enthusiast. Enjoy the exhibits and tours offers in The Little Apple® and learn more about the 150 year history of Manhattan.
It All Started with a Steamboat
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.
Goodnow House
The furnished home of Isaac Goodnow, a founder of Manhattan and Kansas State University, was built in 1861 and is a state historic site. Hours: Saturday - Sunday 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, or by appointment. 2301 Claflin Rd., (785) 565-6490.
Kansas State University
As the first land grant university under the Morrill Act, K-State 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. For tour information, contact the university at (785) 532-6373 or view the online tour.
Konza Prairie
8,616 acres of native tallgrass prairie is located in the western section of the vast grassland, known as the ‘corn belt,’ and features grasslands that once covered much of the center of the continent. Located in the Kansas Flint Hills, this tallgrass laboratory is located 10 miles from Manhattan and is used for ecological research and education.
Pioneer Log Cabin at City Park
On October 12, 1915, the foundation of this building 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.
Riley County Historical Museum
The museum features local history exhibits from pioneer days to the present. The adjacent Hartford house is a restored, prefabricated, cabin brought to Manhattan by early settlers in 1855 on the steamboat, Hartford. Hours: Tuesday-Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday - Sunday 2:00 pm - 5 pm. Group tours are by appointment. 2309 Claflin Rd., (785) 565-6490.
Wolf House Museum
Built in 1868, this limestone dwelling was used as a boarding house and private residence. The museum is furnished with 19th century period pieces. Hours: Saturday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm and Sunday 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, or by appointment. 630 Fremont, (785) 565-6490.
Prominent Riley Countians from the Past and Present
Milton S. Eisenhower
Brother of Dwight D. Eisenhower and a 1924 graduate of KSAC, Eisenhower became President of Kansas State College (now Kansas State University).
Helen Elsie Eakin Eisenhower
Wife of Milton Eisenhower and First Lady of Kansas State from 1943-1950.
Joan McInroy Finney
Finney graduated from Manhattan High School in 1942 and later served as the first female Governor of Kansas from 1991-1995.
Albert Griffin
Born in the state of New York, Griffin was an early abolitionist in Kansas in the 1850s. Publisher of the Nationalist newspaper, he organized the Anti-Saloon Republican movement in Kansas in 1885.
James M. Harvey
From Fort Riley, Harvey became the 5th Kansas Governor from 1869-1873.
Gordon Jump
A K-State graduate, Jump was known for his portrayal of Arthur Carlson on the 1970’s hit sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati.”
Cassandra Peterson
Born in Manhattan, Peterson is best known for her character, Elvira – Mistress of the Dark.
Damon Runyon
Born in Manhattan in 1880, Runyon was a well-known reporter and newspaper columnist whose career was centered in Manhattan, New York. One of his short stories was adapted into the Broadway play, "Guys & Dolls."
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