Manhattan's "little apple" nickname reflects its historical linkage with New York City. The town site was founded when the steamboat Hartford, headed west on the Kansas River, ran aground in this area due to the low water level in late spring of 1855. Eventually the individuals on the steamboat set up the 10 prefabricated houses they had brought with them in the existing community of Boston. The steamboat's expedition costs had been paid for by investors in New York City with the understanding that their landing place would be named after Manhattan, New York. Manhattan got nicknamed "Little Apple" in 1977.
Kansas State University, a big part of Manhattan and its culture, became part of the town in 1863, when Isaac Goodnow, one of Manhattan's founding fathers, helped get the bid for the first land grant college in the U.S.
The Riley County Historical Museum would be a good place to start when you are ready to peek into Manhattan's history. Riley County Historical Society manages the Riley County Historical Museum, Hartford House, Randolph Jail, Wolf House Museum, Rocky Ford School and Pioneer Log Cabin in Manhattan. Guided tours may be arranged for all sites. For information or appointment, call 785-565-6490. Admission is free.
Riley County Historical Museum
Exhibits at the Riley County Historical Museum, 2309 Claflin, include a look at the age-old subject of "The Household Work Week." Daily lives of Riley Countians from 1855 to 1950 are revisited; from Monday as "washday" through Sunday as the "day of rest," which often focused on religion and music.
The "Land and the People" exhibit relives the settlement of Riley County.
Tools and farm implements of Indians and the early settlers are only one aspect of this fascinating glimpse at yesterday. "Made in Riley County" shows a sampling of furniture, art, books and other items created in this County by Riley Countians. The museum also features changing exhibits.
In addition to the exhibits, the Riley County Historical Museum houses the Seaton Memorial Library and the Charlson/Taylor Archives which contain books, documents, newspapers, manuscripts, records, diaries, oral histories and photographs chronicling the history of Riley County. The Library/Archives is open by appointment.
The Riley County Historical Museum is open Tuesday-Friday 8:30 am-5: pm and 2-5 pm Saturday-Sunday. The Hartford House and the Randolph Jail are on the Museum grounds.
Hartford House & Randolph Jail
The Hartford House, located next to the Museum, is an example of an early prefabricated home. In 1855, settlers from the East came on the steamboat "Hartford" and ran aground near Manhattan. They had anticipated a shortage of building material, and brought with them ten to fourteen prefabricated homes. This original 14'x18' home may be viewed during Museum hours. The Randolph Jail, also located on the Museum grounds, is a nineteenth century jail from Randolph, Kansas.
Goodnow House Museum
Located at 2301 Claflin, Goodnow House Museum is adjacent to Riley County Historical Museum. This State Historic Site was home to Kansas River Valley pioneer Isaac E. Goodnow, a founder of Manhattan who helped establish the Kansas State University. Goodnow bought the house in 1861, adding a two-story limestone front section and a frame bedroom over the next 15 years.
Many original furnishings, fine documentation, and interesting architectural features make this historic home special. It reflects domestic life in the late 1800s as well as the Goodnow family. The Goodnow House is open 9 -5 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday, and 2-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. by appointment (785-565-6490.)
Wolf House Museum
The Wolf House Museum, located at 630 Fremont, was built in 1868. The house was advertised as a "German boarding House" in 1870 and served as a private residence house into the 1930's. Mrs. Max Wolf, who lived in the house from 1941-1982, gifted the house to Riley County Historical Society in 1982. Constructed of local limestone, the house exhibits of period furnishings and unique special exhibits. The Wolf House is open 1-5 pm Saturday and 2-5 Sunday or by appointment (785-565-6490.)
Pioneer log cabin
The Pioneer Log Cabin in City Park at 11th and Poyntz was built of native black walnut logs in 1916 to house the first Museum of the Riley County Historical Society. The Pioneer Log Cabin features tours, exhibits on Riley County History, and Hands - on - History objects at the annual Little Apple Folk Life Festival, in the Manhattan City Park. The Log Cabin is also open Sunday afternoons 2:00 – 5:00 April – October.
Rocky Ford School
The Rocky Ford School, located at Barnes Road and Tuttle Creek Boulevard, was built as a one-room schoolhouse in 1903, burned in the 1920's, and was rebuilt using the original stonewalls. It is available to school groups and others wishing a one room school experience by appointment (785-565-6490.)
