Modern-day Evansville had been home to people for thousands of years before European colonizers arrived. Paleo-Indians inhabited the area from at least 8,000 BC. Archeologists have discovered many different archaic and ancient sites, the most exciting and complex being the Angel Mounds. Native Americans abandoned this region between 1400 and 1450, leaving behind their many treasures for others to unearth in later centuries. After this, the Miami, Shawnee, Piankeshaw, Wyandot, Delaware, and other Native American peoples inhabited the Evansville region. French Europeans then became the first colonizers in the area and named it La Belle Rivière, which means "The Beautiful River." The city of Evansville was founded in 1812 and incorporated in 1817. It is affectionately known as the "Crescent Valley" or "River City" because it lies along the oxbow in the Ohio River. The city took its name to honor Colonel Robert Morgan Evans. Due to its location, it grew into a commercial town because of the river trade. Post-Civil War, Evansville experienced an economic boom as it developed into a home port for the many companies involved in river trade. The town was also a major center for coal mining, manufacturing, and hardwood lumber. Later, the incorporation of railroads towards the end of the 1880s also added to the city's economic success. During this time, a large portion of Evansville's population were the Protestant Scotch-Irish, Irish Catholic, New England businessmen, Germans, and freedmen. Post-1900, the city became an important center for the automobile and refrigeration industries. The Great Depression negatively affected the economy of Evansville but was revived by industrial production due to World War II. Factory owners constructed landing ship tanks at a shipyard complex in the city and manufactured bullets at the Plymouth factory. The town also manufactured over 6,000 P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft. After the War, the city continued using these factories and plants to produce automobiles, household appliances, and farm equipment. By the dusk of the 20th century, Evansville was the hub of the tri-state region's commercial, medical, and service industries. The town also became home to Toyota and AK Steel manufacturing plants and the state's first gaming boat, Casino Aztar.

The city of Evansville, Indiana, offers a range of activities and attractions, such as:

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden: This zoo, which is the state's first zoo, is home to different species of animals from South America, North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Wesselman Woods Nature Center: This beautiful park allows visitors to enjoy its hiking trails, play on its natural playscape, and relish its natural beauty.

Tropicana Evansville Casino: This casino, which is 45,000 square feet, is a dream for those who love betting and games. The casino boasts over 100 slot machines and table games like blackjack, high card flush, roulette, and poker.