the history of Manhattan, Montana

Families from the Netherlands moved to the Manhattan/Churchill area to farm and raise horses. In 1864 the town of Hamilton was established and then eventually moved a mile north near the railroad and the town was renamed, Moreland. In the 1880’s, New York City investors came and started up the Manhattan Malting Company where the Dutch farmers provided the barley needed for malting. In 1890, the New York investors changed the name of the town from Moreland to Manhattan and by 1898 Manhattan had grown to about 150 inhabitants and a school enrollment of 75. There were two hotels, a general store, a meat market, two blacksmith shops and a saloon. 

On May 22nd 1911, Manhattan officially became an incorporated town and on June 26th, 1911 Manhattan elected its first town officials with B.F. Sandborn as the first Manhattan Mayor.

Due to the success of the Manhattan Malting Company along with other local businesses, the first Manhattan Chamber of Commerce was established in 1913. Manhattan’s Chamber of Commerce with the support of local businessmen, provided $100,000 for improvements to the Town; $50,000 of which had been spent on sidewalks and water systems. With the slump of the early 1970’s, the Chamber of Commerce disappeared.

By 1984, Manhattan was growing again and the Chamber started back up by hosting its first annual banquet and membership drive on January 12th, 1985. A local newspaper stated, “1985 was looking brighter for Manhattan!” By 1988 the Chamber was in full swing serving the Manhattan area.

Throughout Manhattan’s over 130-year history, it has been an important place for commerce and trade, and through all its ups and downs, the local farmers, ranchers and business community have been essential to the town's prosperity. Today, the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce continues to be at the helm in supporting Manhattan's businesses and agriculture community.