African American Resources in Manhattan, KS

Thematic Nomination and Multiple Property Documentation
National Register of Historic Places

Riley County

This multiple property document provides a context for understanding the conditions that encouraged, hindered, or were associated with African Americans in Manhattan, as well as a basis for evaluating those physical historic resources that resulted from these activities and associations. It covers extant resources dating from 1865 through 1972 that are located within the current incorporated city limits of Manhattan, and is based in part on previous field surveys. The document provides three historic contexts involving African American history in Manhattan. The first covers the period from the earliest recorded African American residents in Manhattan, through the influx of Exodusters from the South and on into the early 20th century. Although life was far from the "promised land" that many of these emigrants had envisioned, their children were able to attend the same schools as the white residents of Manhattan. In 1903, however, discussions about school segregation were renewed, and this time the school board decided to build a separate elementary school for black children. A second context covers the small but tight-knit community that developed around Manhattan's Douglass School and the nearby churches. Douglass Elementary was completed in 1904, and would serve as an important center of the black community in Manhattan for nearly sixty years. Several events in the third context, which focuses on the period between 1954 and 1972, came together to eventually break down the barriers of segregation associated with public accommodations, shopping, restaurants, and finally, with housing.

Files

• Multiple Property Documentation Form

Associated Properties

• Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (Manhattan)
• Second Baptist Church (Manhattan)
• Yuma Street Historic District (Manhattan)