How did it get its name? Named after Manhattan, N.Y., at the suggestion of several people, including John Whitson, who platted the earliest portions of the village, and Township Supervisor John Young.
The beginning: In the 1830s, Yankees from the East — particularly New York — moved into a sizable timber stand. German and Irish immigrants soon followed. In 1836, when Will County elected its first officials, the village incorporated so it could have a saloon. Business began developing after 1880, when the first rail line began service.
Population: 6,897 (2008 special U.S. Census)
Where is it?: Located more than 40 miles southwest of Chicago, Manhattan is the southernmost stop on Metra’s SouthWest Service to and from Chicago.
Famous former resident: International Hot Rod Association World Champion Steve Spiess (2005); Irish dancer Ashley Middleton.
Known in these parts for: The 2 1/2-day annual Irish Fest in late February/early March draws thousands. The historic Round Barn on U.S. Highway 52 is a landmark structure. Thousands of hikers and cyclists use the Wauponsee Glacial Trail, a 25-mile trail from Joliet to the Kankakee River that runs parallel to the downtown area. Also, veterans often are waked at a local funeral chapel because the village is only 10 miles from the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
Local lore: Lumber from Chicago’s World’s Columbian Exposition was used in 1898 to construct the 20 sides of the Round Barn that, technically, isn’t a round barn at all.
Things to do: Get fruit and veggies at the annual farmers market held Tuesday afternoons from June to August.
What you’ll find: Home landscaping supplies have replaced tractors, plows and manure spreaders at the local hardware store.
