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A Letter from Us
WELCOME
TO NORTH
MANCHESTER
WE ARE EXCITED
YOU’RE HERE!
A VIBRANT PLACE TO LIVE WORK & EXPLORE
A LETTER FROM US
WHO WE ARE. WHAT WE DO. AND WHY WE DO IT
Welcome to North Manchester! Whether its the historic rail-town charm, the vibrant downtown or the people. North Manchester is a pace to Live Work and Explore We have prided ourselves on keeping the historic facades intact. small business growth and celebrating our community. Whether you are here for a visit or looking to call North Manchester home. We are excited to have you!
North Manchester gives the feel that you have stepped back to a simpler time. We have thriving small businesses. community celebrations. parades and access to outdoor treasures like canoeing the Eel River where young and old alike enjoy the countryside. Neighbors help neighbors with fundraising and events like adding a Christmas tree and lights downtown to supporting a family in need. On Saturday mornings we enjoy our local Farmers Market.
New in 2022 is “2nd Fridays on Main” bringing together community celebrations, small businesses and local organizations the second Friday of each month starting in June. We have a community garden walk or Holiday home tours that rotate bi-annually. Fundraising events such as golf outings and a Holiday gala happen annually.
Our schools are highly rated including our local university. We have two large retirement facilities offering independent living to healthcare needs. If you are looking to express your faith we have a strong body of local churches. There Is something for everyone in North Manchester!
As the Director of Manchester Alive, an alliance of our Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Foundation. I am passionate about our community and hope you see the beauty we call home.
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 mails 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.
