Welcome to Manchester Alive – where history, community, and progress come together in the heart of small-town Indiana.

As the Executive Director of Manchester Alive Main Street Chamber Alliance, I’m proud to share the momentum that’s building here in North Manchester. From the charming, historic facades that line our downtown streets to the innovative spirit of the thriving businesses throughout town, we continue to blend our rich past with an exciting and purposeful future.

Our community events, especially the beloved and newly renamed ALIVE by the River series, have brought neighbors and visitors together to celebrate music, food, and fellowship in scenic spaces all over town. These gatherings showcase the best of what North Manchester has to offer – a tight-knit, welcoming spirit and a commitment to joy and connection.

At the heart of our entrepreneurial energy is The Coop, our small business incubator. In just a short time, The Coop has become a launchpad for local dreamers and doers, empowering startups with the tools, mentorship, and community support they need to thrive. It’s a perfect example of how Manchester Alive is investing in our future while honoring our roots.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning to stay a while, we’re glad you’re here. We invite you to stroll through downtown, chat with our shop owners, or visit one of our businesses or amenities outside of Main Street. Whichever you choose, you’ll be sure to experience the charm and hospitality that makes North Manchester SMALL TOWN PROUD.

We’re alive with possibility – and we’re just getting started.

Director Manchester Alive | Main Street Chamber Alliance

A BRIEF HISTORY OF NORTH MANCHESTER

WRITTEN FOR THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY / CENTER FOR HISTORY

The Miamis were the first people who lived on this land. The Potawatomis had pushed south in Indiana to the Kenapocomoco (Eel River) by 1750. The Potawatomi Chief. Pierish. built his village on the high ground just north of Manchester University’s football field.

Then in January 1836 the first town plot was laid by Peter Ogan as he built his cabin even before he planned a town.

• 1837 First Saw Mill
• 1839 The First Log School House
• 1845 The First Churches Built
• 1849 A Foundry was Build
• 1871 The Railroad Came to Town
• 1874 The Town was Incorporated
• 1889 Manchester College Breaks Ground (now Manchester University)

The growth of the town was slow, being situated entirely off all the principal thoroughfares of the country. The mail for instance put in an appearance quite infrequently and were carried on horse back from town to town The first business directory from 1861 showed a druggist, dry goods and groceries, foundry, hotel, hardware, notary, physician and plasterer. Farming has always been a large part of our history with the first production report dating back to 1881 showing corn, wheat, oats and Irish potatoes.

Our town has surely grown from our original roots but one thing remains the same and that is the feeling you get from a small town. Neighbors helped neighbors build this town and to this day neighbors help neighbors to keep the town vibrant and growing.

(Above) 1880 Opera House

(Above) 1946 Oppenheim's Department Store "Monster Sale on Hosiery"