Sulfur-doped manganese oxide 1D nanostructures with controllable crystal structures and crystallite dimensions have been synthesized via one-pot non-hydrothermal solution route. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis clearly demonstrated that the crystal structures of the sulfur-doped manganates can be tailored by the change of reaction temperature; layered delta-MnO2-structured material was obtained at 60 degrees C while the reaction at 90 degrees C produced tunnel alpha-MnO2 structured material. According to field emission-scanning electron microscopy, both sulfur-doped manganates possess 1D nanostructure-type morphology with the diameter of approximately 20 nm and the length of approximately 1 microm for delta-MnO2-type material, and the diameter of approximately 100 nm and the length of approximately 800 nm for alpha-MnO2-type material, respectively. From X-ray photoelectron and X-ray absorption spectroscopic analyses, sulfur ions exist as highly oxidized sulfate cluster on surface or grain boundary of the manganate crystallite whereas manganese ions are stabilized in octahedral geometry with the mixed oxidation state of Mn+3/Mn+4. Of special importance is that both sulfur-doped manganate nanowires show promising electrode performances for lithium secondary batteries.