Evansville history

The history of Evansville, situated in a picturesque bend of the Ohio River, begins long before its official founding. The first structures in this area appeared in the early 19th century, with the first mention dating back to 1809, when George Miller's house was built. Officially, the city was founded in 1812 by Hugh McGary Jr., and it received its name in honour of Colonel Robert Morgan Evans, a veteran of the War of 1812. Evansville received city status in 1847.

A key factor in the establishment and development of Evansville was its strategic geographical location. Its position on the banks of the navigable Ohio River transformed the city into a vital trade and transport hub. Early French explorers called this river “La Belle Riviere” (“The Beautiful River”), highlighting the importance of this waterway for the region. The city's development was further facilitated by the construction of the Evansville & Crawfordsville Railroad in 1850, which strengthened its economic position.

From the very beginning, Evansville's economy was closely linked to river trade, logging, and coal mining in the surrounding areas. The city quickly turned into a thriving commercial centre of southern Indiana. By the end of the 19th century, according to the 1890 census, Evansville was among the 60 largest cities in the USA by population. Early development laid the foundation for a diversified economy, which in the future would include mechanical engineering, appliance manufacturing, and metalworking.

Key Dates in the History of Evansville

• c. 1000–1450 — A Native American settlement of the Mississippian culture flourishes in the area of modern-day Evansville, at a site known as Angel Mounds.
• 1812 — Hugh McGary Jr. officially founds the settlement, which would later be named Evansville in honour of Colonel Robert M. Evans.
• 1847 — Evansville receives official city status, marking the beginning of its rapid growth as a river port.
• 1850 — Construction begins on the Evansville & Crawfordsville Railroad, significantly strengthening the city's economic standing.
• 1916 — The foundation stone is laid for the Memorial Coliseum, which became an important public and cultural centre.
• 1932 — Construction is completed on the first bridge across the Ohio River, connecting Evansville with the city of Henderson in the state of Kentucky.
• 1937 — A devastating flood on the Ohio River inundates a significant part of the city, leading to the construction of a massive system of protective levees.
• 1942 — The Evansville Shipyard opens in the city, becoming the country's largest inland producer of Landing Ship, Tank (LST) vessels during the Second World War.
• 1942 — The Republic Aviation plant begins production of P-47 Thunderbolt fighter-bombers, making a huge contribution to the war effort.
• 1956 — Roberts Municipal Stadium opens, becoming the city's main sports and concert arena for decades.
• 1959 — The closure of the Chrysler plant deals a serious blow to the city's economy, leading to the loss of thousands of jobs.
• 1995 — Indiana's first riverboat casino opens on the Ohio River, originally known as Casino Aztar (today Bally's Evansville).
• 2011 — The modern multi-purpose arena, the Ford Center, opens, becoming the new hub of the city's sports and cultural life.
• 2022 — Evansville receives the honorary status of "American World War II Heritage City" in recognition of its contribution to the victory.

Key Stages of Development: From River Port to Modern Centre

The history of Evansville is a tale of transformation, marked by periods of rapid growth, severe trials, and successful resurgence. Key events have shaped its economic landscape, urban appearance, and cultural life.

• Establishment as a Transport Hub (1840s–1860s). After receiving city status in 1847, Evansville quickly turned into a bustling river port on the Ohio. The construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal and railways strengthened its position as an important trade centre through which coal, timber, and agricultural produce passed.
• Industrial Boom (Late 19th – Early 20th Century). The city became one of the world's largest centres for hardwood furniture production, earning the unofficial title "Furniture Capital of the World". By 1900, 41 furniture factories were operating here. Other industries developed in parallel, including the production of steam ploughs and building materials.
• The Great Flood of 1937. This natural disaster became a turning point in urban planning. The waters of the Ohio River flooded more than 500 city blocks. In response, a massive system of protective levees and walls was erected, which forever changed the shoreline and ensured the city's safety.
• "Arsenal of Democracy" in World War II (1942–1945). Evansville made a huge contribution to the war effort. The local shipyard became the country's largest inland manufacturer of Landing Ship, Tank (LST) vessels, and the Republic Aviation aircraft plant produced more than 6,200 P-47 Thunderbolt fighters. This period led to a sharp increase in population and strengthened industrial potential.
• Post-War Restructuring and Challenges (1950s–1980s). After the war, the city became known as the "Refrigerator Capital of the World" thanks to large factories such as Servel and Whirlpool. However, the closure of several major enterprises, including the Chrysler plant in 1959, led to an economic downturn and job losses, which was a serious test for Evansville.
• Economic Diversification (1990s to Present). Faced with the challenges of deindustrialisation, the city began to actively diversify its economy. The opening of Indiana's first riverboat casino in 1995, the development of the healthcare and education sectors, and the construction of the modern Ford Center arena (2011) became symbols of revitalisation and a shift towards services, medicine, and entertainment.

The architectural appearance of Evansville represents a rich tapestry woven from various styles reflecting key stages of its economic and cultural development. From elegant Victorian-era mansions to the strict lines of modernism, the city's buildings tell a story of prosperity, change, and innovation.

The Victorian Era and the Gilded Age (Late 19th Century)

The period following the Civil War and leading up to the early 20th century was a time of rapid growth for Evansville as a major river port and industrial centre. This prosperity was reflected in its opulent architecture.

• Second Empire: This style, inspired by French architecture, is easily recognisable by its characteristic mansard roofs. A prime example in Evansville, and one of the finest in the USA, is the Reitz Home Museum, built in 1871. Its richly decorated façade and preserved interiors demonstrate the wealth of the industrial elite of that time.
• Gothic Revival: This style, characterised by pointed arches and stained glass, is represented in the city by such an iconic building as the Willard Library. Founded in 1885, it is the oldest continuously operating library in Indiana and impresses with its grandeur, reminiscent of a medieval castle.
• Italianate: In the historic Riverside district, one can find many buildings in this style, which was popular in the mid-19th century. It is characterised by low-pitched roofs, wide eaves with decorative brackets, and arched windows.

Early 20th Century and the Art Deco Era

In the first third of the 20th century, new trends appeared in the city's architecture, reflecting the spirit of the "Roaring Twenties" and subsequent years. These buildings symbolised modernity and progress.

• Art Deco: This glamorous style with its geometric patterns, streamlined forms, and luxurious materials is represented by several significant structures. These include the former Indiana Bell building (1929), notable for its stepped silhouette, and The McCurdy hotel (1925), which was once the centre of the city's social scene.
• Beaux-Arts and Neoclassicism: These styles, referencing classical Greek and Roman forms, were used for the construction of imposing public buildings. The Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse (1890) is a magnificent example, combining elements of Baroque and Classicism.

Post-War Modernism (Mid-20th Century)

After the Second World War, Evansville's architecture, like that of many American cities, turned to modernism. This period is characterised by functionality, simple lines, and the use of new materials such as glass and steel. New residential areas appeared in the city with ranch-style homes, as well as public and commercial buildings designed in the spirit of minimalism, reflecting optimism and a desire for a new lifestyle in the post-war era.

Famous Figures Associated with Evansville

Evansville has been the birthplace or an important stage in life for many outstanding individuals who have left their mark on politics, the arts, sports, and public life. Here are some of them:

• Don Mattingly — Athlete. A legendary baseball player nicknamed "Donnie Baseball". He spent his entire 14-year playing career with the New York Yankees, where he was team captain. Born and raised in Evansville, where he began his sporting journey.
• Ron Glass — Actor. An Evansville native, known for the role of Detective Ron Harris in the popular sitcom "Barney Miller" (1975–1982) and for the role of Shepherd Book in the cult science fiction series "Firefly". He graduated from the University of Evansville.
• Lilly King — Athlete. An Evansville native and Olympic swimming champion specialising in breaststroke. She won two gold medals at the 2016 Olympic Games and is a multiple world champion.
• Halston (born Roy Halston Frowick) — Fashion designer. One of the most influential American fashion designers of the 1970s. He moved to Evansville as a teenager, graduated from Benjamin Bosse High School here in 1950, and began developing his interest in design.
• Robert D. Orr — Politician. A prominent political figure from Evansville who served as the 45th Governor of Indiana from 1981 to 1989. He was later appointed US Ambassador to Singapore.
• Albion Fellows Bacon — Social reformer. A prominent figure of the Progressive Era who lived in Evansville. She was a pioneer in the fight for better housing conditions and succeeded in passing Indiana's first housing laws in the early 20th century.
• Joe Cook — Vaudeville artist. One of the most popular comedians and jugglers on Broadway and in vaudeville in the 1920s and 1930s. Although born in Chicago, he grew up in Evansville after being adopted by a local family, and it was here that his career began.
• Louise Dresser — Actress. An Evansville native who had a successful career in vaudeville, on Broadway, and in film. She was nominated for the very first Academy Award for Best Actress in 1929 for the film "A Ship Comes In".
• Dylan Minnette — Actor and musician. Born in Evansville. Gained wide recognition for the leading role of Clay Jensen in the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why". He is also the lead vocalist and guitarist of the indie rock band Wallows.
• Michael Michele — Actress. Born in Evansville, where she graduated from Benjamin Bosse High School. Known for roles in the films "New Jack City", "Ali", "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days", as well as in the television series "ER" and "Homicide: Life on the Street".