City of Manhattan, Kansas

City of Manhattan, Kansas. Located in the northeastern part of the state, Manhattan is situated in the Flint Hills region, near the Kansas River. The city is home to Kansas State University, a public research university that is one of the largest employers in the area, and is also close to Fort Riley, a United States Army base. Manhattan is part of the Manhattan, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Riley County, Pottawatomie County, and Geary County.

Geography

The city of Manhattan is located at the intersection of the Kansas River and Big Blue River, and is situated in the Flint Hills region of northeastern Kansas. The city's geography is characterized by rolling hills, wooded areas, and scenic valleys, with nearby attractions including the Konza Prairie, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, and Milford Lake. Manhattan is also close to several major highways, including Interstate 70, U.S. Route 24, and U.S. Route 77, which provide easy access to nearby cities such as Topeka, Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, and Kansas City, Kansas. The city's climate is humid continental, with cold winters and hot summers, similar to other cities in the region, such as Lincoln, Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska, and Des Moines, Iowa.

History

The area that is now Manhattan was first settled in the 1850s, with the city being officially founded in 1855, and was named after the Manhattan Borough of New York City. The city's early history was marked by its role as a major stopping point for travelers and traders, with the Oregon Trail and Santa Fe Trail both passing through the area. Manhattan was also an important center for the Union Pacific Railroad, with the city being a major hub for the railroad's operations in the region. The city's history is also closely tied to that of nearby Fort Riley, which was established in 1853, and has been an important military base for the United States Army ever since, with notable figures such as George Armstrong Custer and Philip Sheridan having been stationed there.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the city of Manhattan had a population of over 54,000 people, with a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and occupations. The city is home to a large number of students, faculty, and staff from Kansas State University, as well as a significant number of military personnel and their families from nearby Fort Riley. Manhattan also has a growing population of young professionals and families, who are attracted to the city's high quality of life, excellent schools, and outdoor recreational opportunities, with nearby attractions including the Flint Hills Discovery Center, Manhattan Public Library, and Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The city's demographics are similar to those of other college towns in the region, such as Lawrence, Kansas, Columbia, Missouri, and Iowa City, Iowa.

Economy

The economy of Manhattan is driven by a diverse range of industries, including education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Kansas State University is the city's largest employer, with over 6,000 employees, and is a major driver of the local economy. The city is also home to a number of major manufacturers, including Cessna Aircraft Company, Bombardier Aerospace, and PrairieLand Partners, as well as a growing number of technology and startup companies, such as NIC Inc. and CivicPlus. Manhattan is also a major center for agriculture and animal health, with companies such as Cargill, Mars, Incorporated, and Hill's Pet Nutrition having operations in the area. The city's economy is also closely tied to that of nearby Fort Riley, with the base being a major source of employment and economic activity for the region.

Education

Manhattan is served by the Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 school district, which operates a number of elementary, middle, and high schools in the area, including Manhattan High School and Anthony Middle School. The city is also home to Kansas State University, a public research university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including those in the College of Agriculture, College of Engineering, and College of Veterinary Medicine. Manhattan is also close to a number of other colleges and universities, including Washburn University, Baker University, and Emporia State University, and is part of the Kansas Board of Regents system, which oversees higher education in the state.

Infrastructure

The city of Manhattan has a well-developed infrastructure, with a number of major highways, including Interstate 70, U.S. Route 24, and U.S. Route 77, providing easy access to nearby cities and attractions. The city is also served by the Manhattan Regional Airport, which offers flights to a number of major destinations, including Kansas City International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Manhattan has a public transportation system, including buses and a downtown Manhattan Transit system, and is also home to a number of major utilities, including Westar Energy and Kansas Gas Service. The city's infrastructure is also supported by a number of major organizations, including the Kansas Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and United States Army Corps of Engineers. Category: Cities in Kansas