There Are 5 U.S. Cities Named Manhattan

Manhattan, New York gets all the fame, but five other American cities share the name—each with its own character.

The Five Manhattans

1. Manhattan, Illinois — Southwest suburb of Chicago (~8,000 pop.), historic railroad town.
2. Manhattan, Kansas — "The Little Apple," home of Kansas State University (~55,000), Flint Hills gateway.
3. Manhattan Beach, California — Affluent LA coastal city (~35,000), famous pier, volleyball capital.
4. Manhattan, Montana — Tiny Gallatin Valley town (~2,000), near Bozeman and Yellowstone.
5. Manhattan, Nevada — Near-ghost town in Nye County, former gold camp (~100).

Name Origins

Most were named directly after NYC's Manhattan (Lenape "Mannahatta" = "island of many hills") by settlers from New York or boosters hoping to borrow prestige. Manhattan, KS was named by New England Emigrant Aid Company agents from—you guessed it—New York.

Not to Be Confused With

Manhattan Beach (CA) vs. Manhattan (IL, KS, MT, NV). Also: Manhattan, Colorado (ghost town); Manhattan, Indiana (unincorporated); Manhattan, Oregon (ghost town). The five above are incorporated municipalities.