Evansville is a city in Indiana, United States. The population
was 119,477 (2010 census); including suburbs, the population is
315,948. Evansville is the third largest city in Indiana, behind
Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. It is the capital of Vanderburgh
County.
The city is located on the north bank of the Ohio
River, which forms the southern border of the state of Indiana.
Evansville is a regional transportation hub, largely due to its
proximity to the states of Kentucky and Illinois.
Evansville was founded in 1817 and soon became
a center of commerce because of its port on the Ohio River. In
1932 the first bridge was built across the Ohio River,
connecting Evansville to Henderson in Kentucky. Today Evansville
is the cultural and economic center of southern Indiana.
Attractions in Evansville include the Casino Aztar (a boat with
an onboard casino), the Fall Festival (second largest street
festival in the US) and the local Mesker Park Zoo.
Evansville is the seat of the Diocese of Evansville.
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden
Located on 45 scenic acres on
Evansville's northwest side, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is
Indiana's first zoo, established to foster connections between people
and nature. Opened in 1928, it has evolved into a vibrant facility open
365 days a year, featuring hundreds of animal species from around the
globe amid lush botanical settings. Key exhibits include Amazonia, a
immersive South American rainforest opened in 2008 with tropical plants
like orchids in the Orchid Escape area; the Children's Enchanted Forest,
designed for interactive play; and Lake Victoria, surrounded by rolling
hills for scenic views. Notable animals include the Sumatran tiger Luna
(a recent arrival), Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (returned after a
temporary absence), endangered Puerto Rican crested toads, and the zoo's
first-born three-banded armadillo. The botanic garden integrates natural
habitats with exhibits, emphasizing conservation through features like
native and exotic plantings that support wildlife.
Activities abound,
such as daily giraffe feedings (11 a.m.–3 p.m., weather permitting, 4
tokens), tram tours (10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 2 tokens), keeper penguin
presentations (10 a.m. and 3 p.m.), penguin feedings (various times, 5
tokens), and a wildlife carousel (10 a.m.–4 p.m., 2 tokens). The
Rainforest Grill operates Thursday–Sunday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., and the
gift shop is open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Memberships provide unlimited access,
exclusive events, and conservation support. Winter admission is $9 for
adults (13+), $8 for children (3–12), and free for under 2. The zoo is
accessible with tram options, though some activities depend on weather.
In 2025, no major new developments are noted beyond ongoing animal
introductions and conservation efforts.
USS LST-325 Ship Memorial
Docked at 610 NW Riverside Drive along Evansville's riverfront, the USS
LST-325 is the only fully operational World War II Landing Ship Tank
(LST) in its original configuration still afloat in U.S. waters. Built
in 1942, this amphibious vessel—nicknamed "Large Slow Target" by its
crew—played a pivotal role in WWII, facilitating large-scale beach
landings of troops, tanks, and supplies during operations like Normandy
and the Pacific campaigns. After decommissioning, it served in the Greek
Navy until 2000, when veterans repatriated it to the U.S. in a dramatic
6,500-mile voyage. Now a floating museum, it preserves WWII history and
honors veterans.
Tours (lasting about an hour) allow visitors to
explore the decks, engine rooms, troop quarters, and gun mounts, with
exhibits featuring artifacts, interactive displays, rare memorabilia,
and rotating special shows like "Oil on Canvas: How Artists Affected
WWII" and "250 Years At Sea: Celebrating the US Navy" (both ongoing in
late 2025). Its significance lies in educating about amphibious
warfare's evolution and fostering appreciation for military service.
Operating hours are Tuesday–Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. CST (last tour at 3
p.m.) from April–October, shifting to Wednesday–Sunday in
November–March; closures may occur for ice/snow. Admission is $15 for
adults (18+), $7.50 for youth (6–17), and free for under 6. Events
include educational programs and an annual cruise—in 2025, a reviewed
1,300-mile round-trip voyage visited cities like Muscatine, though no
additional cruises are scheduled. The site emphasizes hands-on history
and veteran support.
Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science
Situated at 411 SE Riverside Drive, this museum enriches the Tri-State
region with a permanent collection of over 30,000 objects, spanning fine
arts, decorative arts, historic documents, photographs, and
anthropological artifacts. Founded in 1936, it focuses on preservation,
exploration, and education, offering diverse experiences through
exhibitions and programs.
Current exhibits include the Koch
Foundation Gallery with Picasso's "Seated Woman in Red Hat" (extended
through June 26, 2025); "Tri-State Then & Now," a virtual showcase of
regional history (through December 14, 2025); "Oceans! Journey Beneath,"
an immersive ocean exploration with a new theater film (through January
4, 2026); the 48th Mid-States Craft Exhibition; and "Footnotes to
History" with artifacts linked to famous figures. The Koch Immersive
Theater & Planetarium provides space-themed films and lectures. Events
feature family programs like "The Club at Free Friday" (e.g., December 5
with tours and activities) and art workshops, though some like "Art
Social" may cancel.
Hours vary (typically 11 a.m.–5 p.m. or 12 p.m.–5
p.m. on open days), with closures for holidays, weather, or events.
Admission details aren't specified, but memberships offer benefits, and
some events like Free Friday are gratis. In 2025, highlights include
extended exhibitions and new immersive ocean content, emphasizing
amazement and enlightenment.
Angel Mounds State Historic Site
Spanning 600 acres on the Ohio River's banks east of Evansville, Angel
Mounds is one of the best-preserved Mississippian Native American sites
in the U.S., designated a National Historic Landmark. Established around
A.D. 1100 by Mississippian people, it grew into a thriving agricultural
and trade center by 1250, with up to 1,000 residents before abandonment
by 1450. The 11 earthen mounds—precisely aligned with celestial events
like solstices—elevated important structures for living, worship, and
ceremonies, reflecting advanced cosmology, architecture, and innovations
in corn farming, pottery, and art.
Archaeologically excavated from
1939 by Glenn A. Black and WPA workers (yielding 2.5 million artifacts),
it influenced modern techniques. Visitors can explore recreated palisade
walls, mounds, and a temple reconstruction; walk interpretive trails;
and view artifacts in the visitor center. It's sacred to modern tribal
nations. Hours are Wednesday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., with self-guided
tours. Admission isn't detailed, but events like "Nifty Gifties! DIY
Holiday Gifts" (December 6), Goldpine concerts (December 13), homeschool
classes (December 17), and Winter Solstice Alignment (December 19) add
engagement. No major 2025 updates noted, but it remains a hub for
cultural education.
Wesselman Woods
This 200-acre urban
old-growth forest in central Evansville is the largest of its kind in
the U.S. and a National Natural Landmark, protecting rare virgin timber
and biodiversity. Managed by the Wesselman Nature Society since the
1970s, it preserves habitats for over 600 plant species, birds, mammals,
and amphibians while offering environmental education.
Features
include miles of hiking trails through ancient trees (some over 400
years old), wildlife observation areas, and the 5-acre Welborn Baptist
Foundation Nature Playscape—the nation's largest—with natural play
elements like climbing logs, a dry creek bed, and sensory zones to
encourage unstructured exploration and risk-taking for kids. Wildlife
spotting includes owls, deer, and songbirds. Activities encompass guided
hikes, yoga sessions (e.g., December 27, 2025), and Wilderness Weekends.
Hours are typically dawn to dusk, with free admission (donations
encouraged). Closures include November 11 (Veteran's Day) and holidays.
In 2025, ongoing programs focus on conservation and access.
Urban
Air Adventure Park (New in Recent Years)
Opened in late 2024/early
2025 at 280 N Green River Road, this indoor adventure park is a fresh
addition to Evansville's family entertainment scene, emphasizing
high-energy activities for all ages. Part of a national chain, it
provides a safe, climate-controlled space for physical fun amid the
city's growing recreational options.
Attractions include trampolines
(Apex, Pro Zone, Runway Tumble Track), obstacle courses (Warrior, Ropes,
Leap of Faith), climbing walls, dodgeball, slam dunk zones, battle
beams, virtual reality arenas, Sky Rider zipline, and spin/flip bumper
cars. A tubes playground caters to younger kids. Targeted at families,
kids, and groups, it promotes active play. Hours: Monday–Thursday 4
p.m.–8 p.m., Friday 4 p.m.–9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 11
a.m.–7 p.m., with holiday adjustments (e.g., closed December 25).
Pricing starts at $19.99 (Deluxe) to $27.99 (Platinum), with add-ons
like socks ($3.99) and group passes; memberships available. In 2025,
it's fully operational with events and parties.
Other Notable
Sights
Children's Museum of Evansville (cMoe): At 22 SE 5th Street,
this 20,000+ sq ft facility is a hands-on learning hub for kids 0–12,
with galleries like Kids World (Evansville-themed exhibits) and
interactive zones for science, art, and play. Open Tuesday–Thursday 9
a.m.–4 p.m., Friday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday noon–5 p.m. (closed
Mondays). Admission around $12–15, with Museums for All discounts.
Burdette Park: A 170-acre county park at 5301 Nurrenbern Road with free
entry for basics like hiking, fishing, playgrounds, and disc golf. Paid
features include an aquatic center (Olympic/family pools, $5–8),
campground ($33/night), and shelters for events. Open daily 8 a.m.–4
p.m., it's ideal for outdoor recreation.
Reitz Home Museum: A
stunning 1871 Second Empire Victorian mansion at 112 Chestnut Street,
preserved with original furnishings. Guided tours (1 hour, starting from
carriage house) highlight architecture and history. Open for visits with
events; admission ~$10.
Unique and Unusual Spots (from Atlas
Obscura): Include Bosse Field, the fourth-oldest U.S. baseball stadium
(1915) hosting games; Roseanne's House, the exterior from the sitcom;
Isaac Knight Memorial, honoring a 1793 kidnapping survivor; and the
temporary Nest Houses sculptures (now closed). These add quirky
charm—visit via self-guided exploration.
By Air
The primary airport is Evansville Regional Airport (EVV),
located about 5 miles north of downtown. It offers nonstop flights to
several destinations, primarily through major hubs for easy connections
nationwide and internationally. Airlines serving EVV include:
American Airlines: Flights to Chicago (ORD), Charlotte (CLT), and Dallas
(DFW).
Delta Air Lines: Flights to Atlanta (ATL).
Allegiant Air:
Seasonal or leisure routes to Destin/Fort Walton Beach (VPS),
Orlando/Sanford (SFB), and Tampa/St. Pete (PIE).
Breeze Airways:
Flights to Orlando International (MCO).
Flights are frequent to
the hubs (often multiple daily), but check airline sites for schedules
as they vary seasonally. From the airport, ground transportation
includes rental cars (available from companies like Hertz, Avis, and
Enterprise onsite), taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, and
possibly hotel shuttles. The drive to downtown is quick, about 10-15
minutes.
By Car
Evansville is accessible via several major
highways, making it straightforward for road trips.
Interstate 69
(I-69): Runs north-south through the city, connecting from Indianapolis
(about 3 hours north) and extending south toward Kentucky.
Interstate
64 (I-64): East-west route approaching from the east (e.g., from
Louisville, KY, about 2 hours away) or west (from St. Louis, MO, about
2.5 hours).
U.S. Route 41: A key north-south arterial that parallels
parts of I-69 and provides access from Chicago (about 5 hours north) or
Nashville, TN (about 2.5 hours south).
Use apps like Google Maps
or Waze for real-time directions, traffic, and toll info. Parking in
downtown Evansville is generally affordable and available via street
meters, garages, or lots.
By Bus
Bus travel is a
budget-friendly option with direct routes from many U.S. cities.
Evansville has a bus station served by multiple carriers.
Greyhound: Offers routes from cities like Chicago, Indianapolis,
Louisville, and Nashville, with amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets.
FlixBus: Provides affordable trips from similar hubs, often with
e-tickets and onboard power.
Trailways and other services (via
aggregators like Wanderu): Connect from broader networks, with fares
starting around $30 depending on distance.
Trips from nearby
cities like Indianapolis take about 3-4 hours. Book via their websites
or apps for deals.
By Train
There is no direct Amtrak service
to Evansville itself—the city doesn't have a passenger rail station. The
nearest Amtrak stops are:
Indianapolis, IN (about 170 miles
north, served by routes like the Cardinal and Hoosier State).
Carbondale, IL (about 120 miles west, on the Illini/Saluki or City of
New Orleans lines).
From there, you'd need to transfer to a bus
(e.g., Greyhound) or rent a car to complete the journey. Limited
indirect train options exist via Amtrak from a few cities (e.g., Chicago
to Evansville via transfer), but expect 8+ hours total with fares
starting around $80.
Once in Evansville, local public transit is
handled by the Metropolitan Evansville Transit System (METS), which
offers bus routes around the city and to nearby areas, including
paratransit for those with disabilities. Rideshares, bikes, and scooters
are also common for short trips.
Evansville, Indiana, is situated in the southwestern part of the state, serving as the county seat of Vanderburgh County. It lies on a distinctive meander, or oxbow bend, in the Ohio River, which forms its southern boundary and has earned the city nicknames like "Crescent Valley" or "River City." This positioning makes Evansville a key hub in the Illinois–Indiana–Kentucky tri-state area, often called "Kentuckiana." The city's coordinates are approximately 37°58′38″N 87°33′2″W, with an average elevation of 384 feet (117 meters) above sea level. The broader Evansville metropolitan statistical area encompasses three Indiana counties (Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick) and two Kentucky counties (Henderson and Webster), spanning about 2,367 square miles (6,130 km²) and supporting a population of over 911,000 people in the tri-state region. Notably, the 38th parallel north crosses the northern side of the city, marked along Interstate 69. This location places Evansville adjacent to other metropolitan areas, such as Owensboro, Kentucky, about 30 miles southeast, and integrates it into a network of commerce, transportation, and industry along the Ohio River corridor.
According to recent data, the city of Evansville covers a total area of 47.85 square miles (123.93 km²), with 47.36 square miles (122.65 km²) being land and a small portion—0.49 square miles (1.28 km²)—consisting of water bodies. This aligns with 2010 census figures, which reported a slightly smaller total area of 44.622 square miles (115.57 km²), where 98.94% was land and just 1.06% water, indicating minor expansions or adjustments over time. The water component is primarily tied to the Ohio River and its tributaries, such as Pigeon Creek, which historically isolated parts of the city's west side and served as an industrial corridor. The surficial geology of the area, as mapped by the U.S. Geological Survey, reveals a mix of deposits including gravel, sand, silt, and clay from ancient braided river systems, often capped by thin layers of Ohio River flood silt and clay up to 140 feet thick. These sediments reflect the region's dynamic history shaped by riverine processes and glaciation, contributing to the fertile yet variable soil composition in Vanderburgh County.
Evansville's topography is characterized by a shallow valley
encircled by low rolling hills, creating a varied landscape that
influences urban development and natural features. The city's west side
is predominantly built on these rolling hills, hosting attractions like
Burdette Park, Mesker Amphitheatre, and Mesker Park Zoo. In contrast,
the eastern portion occupies the lower valley floor, safeguarded by a
system of levees that parallel Interstate 69 to mitigate flooding from
the Ohio River. Elevation within Vanderburgh County ranges modestly from
a low of about 361 feet at the Ohio River to a high of 490 feet in the
uplands, with the city's overall terrain shaped by glacial influences
and river erosion. Key landmarks include the 240-acre Wesselman Woods
Nature Preserve on the east side and the Angel Mounds State Historic
Site, located just southeast of the city between Evansville and
Newburgh. The Ohio River floodplain and terraces are prominent, with
topographic breaks delineated by high-resolution digital elevation
models showing transitions from floodplains to higher terraces. This
topography, combined with the river's meandering path, has historically
driven settlement patterns, from indigenous sites to modern
infrastructure.
The landscape's richness stems from southwestern
Indiana's geological history, including glaciation that deposited till
and outwash, and the Ohio River's shifting bends over millennia.
Surficial deposits in the Evansville-Henderson area vary by origin and
age, featuring alluvial fans, terraces, and lacustrine sediments that
highlight post-glacial river dynamics. Groundwater resources are
abundant, supported by these porous deposits, with records from the U.S.
Weather Bureau indicating how climate interacts with the terrain to
influence aquifer recharge.
The Ohio River is the defining hydrological feature of Evansville, forming a natural southern border and facilitating trade since the city's founding in 1812. This major waterway, which originates from the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers far upstream, flows northwest before curving southward near Evansville, creating the iconic crescent shape. Pigeon Creek, a tributary, adds to the network, historically channeling industrial activity but now contributing to urban drainage. The region's hydrology is marked by flood risks, managed through levees, and environmental challenges, including agricultural runoff, sewage overflows, and industrial pollutants like PCBs that affect water quality and lead to fish consumption advisories. Groundwater in Vanderburgh County is influenced by these surface waters, with precipitation data since 1895 showing how rainfall infiltrates the surficial aquifers.
Geologically, Evansville sits atop layers dating back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation from Paleo-Indians around 8000 BC. The area features archaic and ancient archaeological sites, culminating in the complex Mississippian culture settlement at Angel Mounds, occupied from AD 900 to 1600. Surficial mapping reveals deposits from glacial meltwater rivers, including outwash plains and loess-covered uplands, which have shaped the modern terrain. Industrial legacies, such as lead and arsenic contamination in downtown soils from Civil War-era factories, underscore environmental geology, requiring ongoing remediation efforts. The region's physiology includes diverse ecosystems, from riverine wetlands to forested hills, reflecting a transition zone between the Midwest's glacial plains and the Ohio Valley's dissected plateaus.
Evansville experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), on the northern edge of this zone, straddling USDA hardiness zones 6b and 7a. Summers are hot and humid, with average July highs of 88.6°F (31.4°C) and lows of 68.8°F (20.4°C), while winters are cool to cold, with January averages of 41.7°F (5.4°C) high and 25.5°F (-3.6°C) low. Annual precipitation totals about 47.91 inches (1,217 mm), distributed fairly evenly, though July sees peaks at 4.38 inches (111 mm). Snowfall averages 10.8 inches (27 cm) per year, with extremes ranging from minimal accumulations to over 37 inches in severe winters. There are typically 41 days above 90°F (32°C) and 17 days below freezing annually, with a frost-free period of 201 days from late April to late October. Extreme temperatures have reached 111°F (44°C) in 1930 and -23°F (-31°C) in 1951. Relative humidity averages 70.2%, and the area receives about 2,701 hours of sunshine yearly (61% of possible). Air quality is impacted by nearby coal-fired power plants, with fine particle levels historically high, comparable to urban centers like Manhattan. Long-term records from Evansville Regional Airport highlight variability, influenced by the Ohio Valley's topography that can trap moisture and pollutants.
Pre-Colonial and Early Indigenous History
The area that would
become Evansville, Indiana, has a rich human history dating back at
least 8,000 BCE. Archaeological evidence reveals archaic and ancient
sites, with the most sophisticated being Angel Mounds, inhabited from
around 900 AD to 1600 AD by the Mississippian culture's Mound Builders.
These people were advanced hunters and gatherers who constructed
villages on elevated ground near rivers, creating complex earthworks and
relying on agriculture, trade, and ceremonial practices. The
civilization at Angel Mounds declined by 1450 AD, likely due to
environmental factors like regional drought or overhunting, prompting
relocation to the confluence of the Ohio and Wabash Rivers. By the
mid-17th century, tribes such as the Shawnee and Miami moved into the
region, with Shawnee communities still present along Pigeon Creek where
it meets the Ohio River when European explorers arrived.
French
hunters and trappers were among the first Europeans to interact with the
area, including Pierre Brouillette, who traded with the Shawnee until
around 1804. This period marked the transition from indigenous control
to Anglo-American settlement, facilitated by the Northwest Ordinance of
1787, which organized the Northwest Territory—including what would
become Indiana—for U.S. expansion after the 1783 Treaty of Paris. The
territory was surveyed using the Federal Township and Range System
starting in 1806, with plat maps detailing the Ohio River, streams, and
early traces like the one from Red Banks (now Henderson, Kentucky) to
Vincennes.
Founding and 19th-Century Growth
Evansville's
origins trace to March 27, 1812, when frontiersman Hugh McGary Jr.
purchased 441 acres along the Ohio River's horseshoe bend for $2 per
acre, establishing McGary's Landing on a bluff to capitalize on river
trade. Initially a modest clearing with muddy shores and a few houses,
the site was renamed Evansville in honor of Colonel Robert M. Evans, a
War of 1812 hero and local legislator who helped plat the town.
Incorporated in 1817 and made the seat of the newly created Vanderburgh
County (named for Judge Henry Vanderburgh) on January 7, 1818, the city
grew rapidly due to its strategic river position.
Religious and
community institutions emerged early: a Methodist service in 1819, the
First Presbyterian Church in 1821, the General Baptist Church in 1823,
and the Assumption Catholic parish in 1836. The 1830s saw plans for the
Wabash and Erie Canal, a 400-mile waterway linking Toledo to Evansville
to facilitate trade from New Orleans to New York. Though it boosted
initial growth and was completed in 1853, the canal proved unreliable
and was overshadowed by railroads like the Evansville & Crawfordsville
Railroad, leading to its abandonment. Only two barges ever completed the
full route, and remnants became infrastructure like a courthouse site in
1891.
The west side of the city developed independently, isolated by
Pigeon Creek and factories. Lamasco (from proprietors Law, MacCall, and
Scott) was platted in 1837 and incorporated in 1839, remaining separate
until partial annexation in 1857 and full incorporation as Independence
in 1870 amid heavy German immigration post-Civil War. This era saw
demographic diversity: Germans, Protestant Scotch-Irish, Catholic Irish,
New England businessmen, and freed slaves from Kentucky.
By the
mid-19th century, Evansville became a steamboat hub with river trade
companies, and the Evansville Courier newspaper launched in 1845. Coal
mining began in the 1850s with the Ingleside Mine, expanding to 10
shafts by century's end to fuel industry. Hardwood lumber supported a
booming furniture sector, with 41 factories employing 2,000 workers by
1900. Iconic structures like the Old Post Office (1870s), Willard
Library (1880s), and Old Courthouse (1890s) reflected prosperity.
Railroads, including the 1887 Louisville and Nashville Railroad bridge,
further spurred growth, leading to the creation and annexation of Howell
in 1916. By 1890, Evansville was the 56th largest U.S. urban area.
During the Civil War (around 1864), the riverfront hosted Union military
encampments, temporary hospitals, and gunboats to guard against
Confederate raids from Kentucky, with a population of about 12,000
supporting the war effort through trade and manufacturing.
Early
20th-Century Expansion and Challenges
Residential neighborhoods like
Bayard Park, Washington Avenue, and Lincolnshire expanded as
manufacturing boomed in automobiles (e.g., Chrysler Plymouths) and
refrigeration (e.g., Seeger, Sunbeam, Servel). The furniture industry
peaked with over two dozen companies by 1920. Mayor Benjamin Bosse
(1912–1922) championed growth with the slogan "When everybody boosts,
everybody wins." Transportation advancements included U.S. Highway 41 in
the 1920s–1930s, a 1932 Ohio River bridge, and airport development.
The Indiana Ku Klux Klan formed in Evansville in 1920 under leaders like
Joe Huffington and D.C. Stephenson, gaining significant power by 1925
before collapsing due to scandals. The Great Depression brought
unemployment and business failures, worsened by the catastrophic 1937
Ohio River flood, which submerged 500 city blocks. Post-flood levees
were constructed to prevent future disasters. Oil discoveries in the
late 1930s spurred gambling and the establishment of Ellis Park
racetrack.
By the early 20th century, the riverfront had transformed
from a busy steamboat port—lined with hotels, grocers, metal shops, and
warehouses along Water Street and Riverside Avenue—into a more
commercial and recreational space. Air pollution from coal smoke was a
notable challenge, but developments like the 1936 Dress Plaza turned it
into a pedestrian-friendly area.
World War II and Post-War Era
Evansville emerged as a key industrial center during World War II, with
employment surging from 21,000 to 64,000. A 45-acre shipyard, the
largest inland facility of its kind, produced Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs),
including the preserved USS LST-325 now serving as a museum. The
Plymouth factory converted to ordnance production, manufacturing
billions of bullets, while a northern factory built 6,242 P-47
Thunderbolt fighters (nearly half of the wartime total). Other companies
shifted to war materials, solidifying Evansville's role in the Allied
effort.
Post-war, the shipyard and aircraft plant closed, but demand
drove growth in automobiles, appliances, and farm equipment. Housing
boomed north of Pigeon Creek and east of Weinbach Avenue. Shopping
centers like North Park (1950s), Lawndale, Washington Square (1963,
Indiana's first enclosed mall), and Eastland Mall emerged as commercial
hubs. Urban renewal from 1958–1963 demolished historic sites like
Assumption Cathedral and Central High School, costing $30 million, to
make way for the $25 million Civic Center Complex in 1968.
The Korean
War caused a recession in defense industries (e.g., closures of Servel
and Chrysler), but 28 new firms like Whirlpool, Alcoa, and General
Electric arrived between 1955 and 1963. Evansville became a tri-state
regional hub, with figures like Robert D. Orr serving as Indiana
Governor (1981–1989). The 1990s brought further expansion through the
University of Southern Indiana (over 10,000 students), Toyota and AK
Steel plants, and Tropicana Evansville, Indiana's first riverboat
casino.
21st-Century Developments
Economic diversification
continued into the 2000s, with mergers like Vectren's downtown
headquarters in 2000, and growth from companies like Berry Plastics and
Old National Bank. The riverfront revitalized with Tropicana's expanded
facility and corporate relocations. Downtown saw a revival through
lofts, condominiums, and the 2011 Ford Center arena (seating 11,000).
Tragic events included the November 6, 2005, F3 tornado, which killed 25
people and caused $85 million in damage across areas like Ellis Park and
Newburgh, drawing praise for community response from FEMA. An August 10,
2022, house explosion killed three and damaged nearby homes, prompting
an ATF investigation.
Cultural highlights include the West Side Nut
Club Fall Festival, one of the largest street festivals in the U.S., and
contributions from figures like comic-book writer Kyle Starks. As of
2025, Evansville remains a vibrant regional center, blending its
industrial heritage with modern economic and recreational developments
along the Ohio River.