Manhattan, Kansas, is a pleasant, tree-shaded city of approximately 52,000 located in the northeastern part of Kansas. Above is a photo of the downtown district. The city was founded in 1855 by a group of riverboat traders who cruised up the Kansas River, hoping to establish a trading center that would rival the Manhattan of the East. The city takes its nickname, "The Little Apple", from its New York namesake.

Today, Manhattan is the trade and cultural center of a five-county area. The area enjoys a stable economy based on agriculture and ranching, trade, light industry, education, and government installations. Manhattan offers many of the advantages of a large city, yet it retains the wholesome flavor and attractions of small-town living.

The character of the city is greatly shaped by Kansas State University, which was established in 1863 and has grown to a size of about 21,570 students. The University sponsors numerous academic, cultural, and athletic events. Adjacent to the University is "Aggieville", seen above, which is a shopping district of restaurants, clothing stores, gift shops, and night clubs, which caters to the student community.

Manhattan is located on the banks of the Kansas River in the Flint Hills of northeastern Kansas. Unlike the stereotype of Kansas seen in Hollywood cowboy movies--flat terrain and desert--the Flint Hills are indeed hilly and lightly forested. A view of the landscape in another direction reveals that Kansas was once the seabed of the prehistoric Atlantic Ocean. When the Rocky Mountains were formed, and Kansas was lifted from the ocean's bottom, another "sea" soon appeared -- one of bison. Although the bison herds are greatly reduced, a small herd is maintained near the city.

Also close by is Tuttle Creek Lake and Reservoir, a State recreation area with 112 miles of shoreline and nearly 16,000 surface acres of water. Tuttle Lake offers activities such as camping, fishing, sailboating, windsurfing, and (in the winter!) ice skating.

More information about Manhattan is available on the City of Manhattan website.