Interesting History & facts about the Village of Manlius, NY

The Village of Manlius, located in the heart of Upstate New York, has a rich history that spans over two centuries. As a historian, I have compiled the following 14 interesting and historic facts about this remarkable place.

1. The village was originally known as “The Fort,” named after Fort Bull, which was built during the French and Indian War in 1756.
2. The village was officially incorporated in 1835, making it one of the oldest in the region.
3. During the Civil War, Manlius was home to a large training camp for Union soldiers, and the village also served as a hub for supplying the troops with food, clothing, and medical supplies.
4. The Manlius Limestone Quarry, which opened in the mid-19th century, was a major contributor to the village’s growth and prosperity, providing employment to many residents and producing high-quality limestone used in construction projects across the region.
5. The Limestone Ridge School, built in 1857, is one of the oldest continuously operating public schools in the state of New York.
6. The village was once a center of commerce and transportation, with the Syracuse and Chenango Valley Railroad passing through, connecting Manlius to the larger cities of Syracuse and Binghamton.
7. The Manlius Opera House, built in the late 19th century, was a popular gathering place for residents and travelers, hosting concerts, plays, and other cultural events.
8. In the early 20th century, Manlius was home to several large factories, including the Cazenovia Cutlery Company and the E. W. Edwards & Sons furniture factory.
9. The village was the site of a major flood in 1935, which caused significant damage to the downtown area and required the construction of a flood control dam in the following years.
10. During World War II, Manlius was home to a large Army Air Corps base, which trained thousands of soldiers and airmen before being decommissioned in the 1950s.
11. The Manlius Pebble Hill School, a prestigious private school, was founded in the mid-20th century and has become one of the top schools in the region, attracting students from across the state.
12. In recent years, the village has experienced a revitalization, with new businesses, restaurants, and shops opening in the downtown area and a focus on preserving its historic architecture and character.
13. The Manlius Historic District, which includes many of the village’s oldest and most significant buildings, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
14. The village continues to be a vibrant and thriving community, with a strong sense of pride in its history and a commitment to preserving its unique character and charm for future generations.

Famous People from Manlius, New York:

1. Frederick Law Olmsted (April 26, 1822- August 28, 1903), famous landscape architect and designer of Central Park in New York City.
2. James S. Sherman (October 24, 1855- October 30, 1912), 27th Vice President of the United States.
3. Ruth Baldridge (1882-1958), noted educator and author.
4. Mary Harriman Rumsey (1881-1934), philanthropist and social reformer.
5. Robert R. McCormick (July 30, 1880- April 1, 1955), publisher and editor-in-chief of the Chicago Tribune.
6. Frank G. Wisner (June 23, 1909- October 29, 1965), diplomat and intelligence officer.
7. Emily Post (October 27, 1872- September 25, 1960), author and expert