Manhattan history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Manhattan began in the mid-19th century. The official date of foundation is considered to be 1855, when settlers from the "New England Emigrant Aid Company" arrived in this picturesque region. Initially, the settlements of Poliska and Canton existed on the site of the modern city, which subsequently merged with an arriving group from Cincinnati. The name was given to the city at the insistence of one of the investors who wished to immortalise the name of his home borough in New York.

Key Development Factors

The development of the city in the USA was driven by a successful combination of geographical and social factors:

• Geography: Its location at the confluence of the Kansas and Big Blue rivers made the city an important transport hub, accessible to steamboats during the era of the Western expansion.
• Education: A crucial moment was the founding of Bluemont Central College in 1858, which was later transformed into Kansas State University. This defined the city's status as an educational centre.
• Agriculture: The fertile lands of the valley promoted the development of farming, turning the settlement into a trading centre for surrounding agrarian communities.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Manhattan was distinguished by a striving for enlightenment and culture, which was atypical for many frontier towns of that time. The economy was built not only on trade and agriculture but also on serving the needs of the growing student community. The presence of the university brought a special atmosphere to the city's life, contributing to the opening of libraries and literary societies, and the development of local infrastructure faster than in neighbouring regions.

City Development Timeline

• 1855: A group of settlers arrives in the region on the steamboat "Hartford" and founds Manhattan, uniting previously existing small settlements.
• 1857: The settlement officially receives city status, and the formation of local government bodies begins.
• 1863: Bluemont Central College is transformed into the Kansas State Agricultural College, becoming the first educational institution of this type in the USA.
• 1866: The Kansas Pacific Railway reaches the city, providing a powerful boost to trade and economic growth.
• 1903: A severe flood inundates the streets, forcing residents to seriously consider a flood protection system for the first time.
• 1929: An airport opens in the city, ensuring air connections with other regions.
• 1951: The devastating "Great Flood" causes colossal damage to the business centre, leading to large-scale reconstruction.
• 1959: The city's main educational institution is officially renamed Kansas State University (K-State).
• 1963: Construction of the Tuttle Creek Dam and Reservoir is completed, becoming the main protection for the valley against river floods.
• 1980s: Active development of the Aggieville district begins as a cultural and entertainment hub for students and tourists.
• 1993: The region faces another major flood, but protective structures help avoid catastrophic consequences.
• 2008: A powerful tornado passes through the southern part of the city and the university campus, causing significant material damage.
• 2013: A large-scale renovation and expansion of the Flint Hills Discovery Center complex, dedicated to the prairie ecosystem, is completed.
• 2022: Commissioning of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), cementing the city's status as an important scientific hub.

Major Development Milestones

The history of the city of Manhattan is an example of how the wise use of geographical location and a focus on education can turn a small settlement into a significant regional centre. Here are the key stages that shaped the modern appearance of the city:

• Founding of Kansas State University (1863): The transformation of a local college into a state institution was a fateful event. This decision defined the youthful character of the city, created a sustainable base for the knowledge economy, and attracted an intellectual elite to the region.
• Arrival of the Railway (1866): Connection to the Kansas Pacific network linked local farmers with major markets in the eastern USA. This event turned the city into an important trade and logistics hub, stimulating capital inflow and the construction of stone buildings that formed the historic centre.
• Birth of the Aggieville District (1889): The creation of a specialised shopping quarter for students marked the beginning of a unique cultural environment. Today, this district is the oldest shopping centre of its kind in the state and the heart of the city's entertainment life.
• Construction of Tuttle Creek Dam (1960s): The implementation of a massive hydraulic engineering project after devastating floods radically changed the region's safety. The appearance of the reservoir not only protected the city but also gifted it a powerful recreational resource that promotes tourism.
• Revitalisation of the Centre and Opening of the Flint Hills Discovery Center (2010s): The large-scale renewal of the business centre and the launch of the cultural-educational complex strengthened the city's tourism brand as the "gateway" to the picturesque Flint Hills region, attracting travellers interested in nature and history.
• Launch of the NBAF Centre (2020s): The commissioning of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility marked a new era in the city's economy. This secured the region's status as a global leader in biotechnology and agricultural science, ensuring the creation of high-tech jobs.

Architectural Appearance: From Limestone to Modernity

The architecture of Manhattan differs strikingly from its New York namesake. There are no endless canyons of skyscrapers here; the appearance of this city in the USA is shaped by unique natural materials and an academic atmosphere. Urban planning developed horizontally, harmoniously blending into the picturesque landscape of the Flint Hills, where historic buildings stand alongside modern scientific centres.

The Era of Native Stone (Mid-19th — Early 20th Century)

The widespread use of native limestone became the city's calling card. Settlers quickly appreciated the availability and durability of this material, which defined the "golden" hue of the historic buildings.

• Style: Romanesque Revival and local vernacular.
• Features: Massive stone walls, arched windows, rough facade textures, and towers that give the buildings a monumental quality.
• Landmark Object: Anderson Hall on the university campus. Built in several stages (1877–1885), this building resembles a medieval castle and is the main architectural symbol of the city.

University Classics and Eclecticism (First Half of the 20th Century)

With the development of the college and its transformation into a university, the city's architecture began to acquire more formal and solemn features characteristic of educational campuses of that time.

• Style: Collegiate Gothic.
• Features: Pointed arches, decorative elements made of hewn stone, stained glass, and vertical lines emphasising the pursuit of knowledge.
• Landmark Object: The historic part of Hale Library, which demonstrates the transition from the massiveness of early structures to the more elegant forms of academic architecture.

Modern Revitalisation and Urbanism (Late 20th — 21st Century)

In recent decades, the city has been actively renewing its appearance, especially in the business centre and the waterfront area. New projects strive to combine innovative technologies with respect for historical heritage.

• Style: Postmodernism and modern eco-architecture.
• Features: The use of glass and metal in combination with traditional limestone, the creation of open public spaces, and an emphasis on eco-friendliness.
• Landmark Object: Flint Hills Discovery Center. This building, with its expressive glass cone and stone base, symbolises the connection between modern science and the nature of the prairies, becoming a new architectural dominance of the centre.

Notable Figures

The fates of many talented people who have left their mark on art, sports, and science are linked to the city of Manhattan and its main university in the USA. Here is a list of the most significant persons:

• Damon Runyon (1880–1946) — Writer and Journalist.
  A native of the city who became a famous American short-story writer. His vivid stories about Broadway life formed the basis of the legendary musical "Guys and Dolls". His writing style was so unique that the term "Runyonesque" appeared in literature.
• Bill Snyder (born 1939) — Football Coach.
  A living legend of the city. Taking charge of the Kansas State University team, he turned underdogs into national champions. His contribution to community development is so great that the city stadium was named in his honour during his lifetime.
• Milton Eisenhower (1899–1985) — Educator and Statesman.
  The younger brother of President Dwight Eisenhower. He served as President of Kansas State University in the 1940s. Under his leadership, the university expanded significantly, strengthening the city's status as an educational hub.
• Cassandra Peterson (born 1951) — Actress and TV Presenter.
  Born in Manhattan. She gained worldwide fame thanks to her stage persona "Elvira, Mistress of the Dark", becoming an icon of pop culture and the horror-comedy genre.
• Earl Woods (1932–2006) — Athlete and Mentor.
  A native of the city and a graduate of the local university, where he made history as the first African American baseball player in the Big Seven Conference. He is better known as the father and first coach of golf legend Tiger Woods.
• Del Close (1934–1999) — Actor and Director.
  Born in Manhattan. Considered one of the fathers of modern theatrical improvisation, he influenced the careers of many comedy stars, including Bill Murray.
• Jordy Nelson (born 1985) — Professional Athlete.
  An American football star and graduate of the local university programme. He became a Super Bowl winner and remains one of the most beloved athletes in the city's history.