The Name of Manawa was taken from a brave killed by a chief. "In the days, not greatly beyond the recollection of the oldest inhabitant, a branch of the tribe of Winnebago Indians dwelt among the pines covering the land which in now the site of our fair village. In midst of the village of wigwams, stood one, more pretentious than the rest, the abode of Wecopah, chief of the tribe and a man of influence and power among all the surrounding nations.

The white men who came to cut down the forests, heard the braves singing the dirges of the departed youth and the name which pines seemed to murmur to the breeze of the night is perpetuated in that of our fair city."

This village was called Elberton during the time that Elbert Scott was Postmaster, 1872.

In December 1874 the name "Manawa" was officially adopted, thus 1974 is recognized as being Manawa's Centennial year.