Originally one of the communities in the Central New York Military Tract (defined as Township Number Seven), the town of Manlius was settled in 1794. The village, however was settled two years before by John A. Shaeffer, a German. The first schoolhouse in Manlius was erected in 1798. Made out of logs, it was located near a local resident's mill, named only as Mr. Costello. By 1801, the village began to grow, with six buildings, and several amenities including a blacksmith, store, doctor, lawyer, and a tavern. By the turn of the 19th century, there was also a post office defined as "Liberty Square". However, the name of Liberty Square was eventually renamed to Manlius Square. After four years, Manlius had grown at a rapid rate, with the building of thirty houses. The growing village was defined as one of the most prominent business locations in Onondaga County. The community became the first village in the county in 1813.