Manlius Village Historic District

Manlius Village Historic District is a 15-acre area containing roughly 50 buildings that represent different periods of construction throughout the 1800s. The ensemble includes four churches and one commercial block distributed across Pleasant, Franklin, North, Clinton, and East Seneca Streets, with the majority of residential structures aligned along Seneca Street.

The district traces its origins to the village's founding in 1813 and received its National Register of Historic Places designation in 1973. This formal recognition acknowledged the importance of the structures in documenting the early settlement and growth of the community.

Smith Hall, constructed in the early 1800s, serves as a Masonic Temple with wall murals depicting Masonic symbols and scenes. These painted decorations reflect the craftsmanship and traditions that community members have valued in this space for generations.

The district is best explored on foot, allowing visitors to appreciate the architectural details at a leisurely pace as they move through the streets. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and visitors should be prepared for variable weather throughout the year when planning their visit.

Smith Hall contains detailed Masonic murals that remained concealed beneath wall coverings for many decades before being rediscovered in the early 1900s. This hidden artistic layer reveals how much visual history is embedded within these structures and awaits discovery beneath their exteriors.