Surrounded by the township of the same name, the village of Manhattan is located in northeastern Illinois approximately 40 miles south of Chicago and nine miles southwest of Joliet. Incorporated in 1886, this long-established community claims its roots in agriculture. Although the last ten years have seen an influx of newcomers into this rural haven, the village still celebrates its German and Irish roots in the early spring Irish Fest celebration. Many new homes and residential developments are springing up in this serene stretch of fertile land and friendly neighbors. Residents of Manhattan enjoy a close-knit atmosphere in which the village and township governments work in cooperation with local boards and active citizens on projects and programs that add to the quality of life. Manhattan is rapidly evolving from a farming village into a bedroom community for commuters to Chicago and other industrialized suburbs. Direct access to Interstate 80 via US Highway 52 ensures an hour's drive to the Loop in downtown Chicago.