The Village was incorporated in 1886 and became a home-rule municipality by ways of a referendum held on November 5, 1996. The Village serves an area of approximately two square miles located in Manhattan Township in Will County, Illinois, approximately 9 miles southwest of the City of Joliet. Manhattan is accessible from three major interstate highways. We are 7 miles from I-80, 11 miles from I-57, and 12 miles from I-55. The Village has a 2000 census population of 3,330 and estimates it current population over 4,500.

Since the early 1990s the Village experienced consistent growth of 35-45 homes per year. Since 2003, the Village has permitted and average of 200 plus homes per year and estimates the number of new homes per year to average 250 units.

The Village operates under the Village President-Trustee form of government. The Village President and six trustees are elected at large. The Village Clerk is also elected at large. The Village President, with the consent of the Village Board, appoints the Village Treasurer.