Manhattan, Kansas

Manhattan, Kansas
source
Name	Manhattan, Kansas
Settlement type	City
Pushpin label	Manhattan

Manhattan, Kansas is a city located in the northeastern part of Kansas, situated in the Flint Hills region, near the Kansas River. The city is home to Kansas State University, a public research university that is a member of the Association of American Universities. Manhattan is also close to Fort Riley, a United States Army post that has been in operation since 1853. The city has a strong connection to the Konza Prairie, a Nature Conservancy preserve that is one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in the United States.

Geography

Manhattan is situated in the Flint Hills region of Kansas, which is characterized by its unique limestone and shale geology. The city is located near the Kansas River, which flows into the Missouri River and eventually into the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River. The surrounding landscape is dominated by the Konza Prairie, a Nature Conservancy preserve that is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, prairie chickens, and deer. The city's geography is also influenced by its proximity to Fort Riley, a United States Army post that has been in operation since 1853 and is home to the 1st Infantry Division and the US Army Garrison Fort Riley. Manhattan is also near the Tuttle Creek Lake, a large reservoir that provides recreation and flood control for the surrounding area, and is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

History

The history of Manhattan dates back to the 1800s, when the area was first settled by European-Americans. The city was founded in 1855 and was named after the Manhattan Island in New York City. During the American Civil War, Manhattan was a key stop on the Oregon Trail and the Santa Fe Trail, and the city played an important role in the Bleeding Kansas conflict. The city is also home to the Kansas State University, which was founded in 1863 as the Kansas State Agricultural College and is now a member of the Association of American Universities. Manhattan has a rich history, with notable events including the Pottawatomi Indian treaty of 1846 and the Chisholm Trail, which passed through the area. The city is also near the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, which commemorates the landmark Supreme Court decision that led to the desegregation of public schools in the United States.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Manhattan was approximately 54,100. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of students from Kansas State University, military personnel from Fort Riley, and families who have lived in the area for generations. The city is also home to a growing Hispanic population, with many residents having ties to Mexico and other Latin American countries. Manhattan is part of the Manhattan, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Riley County, Pottawatomie County, and Geary County. The city is also near the Lawrence, Kansas area, which is home to the University of Kansas and has a strong connection to the Kansas City, Missouri metropolitan area.

Economy

The economy of Manhattan is driven by a mix of education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Kansas State University is the largest employer in the city, with a diverse range of research and academic programs. The city is also home to a growing technology sector, with companies such as CivicPlus and GTI Predictive Technology having operations in the area. Manhattan is also near the Fort Riley military base, which provides a significant economic boost to the region. The city has a strong connection to the agriculture industry, with many farms and ranches in the surrounding area producing cattle, wheat, and other crops. The city is also part of the Kansas Department of Commerce and is home to the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.

Education

Manhattan is home to Kansas State University, a public research university that is a member of the Association of American Universities. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including engineering, business, and agriculture. The city is also home to Manhattan High School, which is part of the Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 school district. The city has a strong connection to the Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees the state's higher education system. Manhattan is also near the University of Kansas, which is located in Lawrence, Kansas and is a member of the Association of American Universities. The city is also home to the Manhattan Public Library, which provides literacy programs and other community services.

Culture

Manhattan has a vibrant cultural scene, with a mix of arts, music, and recreation opportunities. The city is home to the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, which features a diverse collection of American art and European art. The city is also home to the McCain Auditorium, which hosts a wide range of performing arts events, including concerts, theater productions, and dance performances. Manhattan is also near the Konza Prairie, which offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. The city has a strong connection to the Kansas City, Missouri area, which is home to a wide range of cultural attractions, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kansas City Symphony. The city is also part of the Flint Hills region, which is known for its unique geology and ecology. Category:Cities in Kansas