The history of Evansville begins thousands of years ago with the Paleo-Indians, and most recently in the 15th century when the tribes of the Miami, Painkeshaw, Delaware, and Wyandot lived there. The French were the first Europeans to come to the region. In 1805, Delaware relinquished the land encompassing Evansville to General William Henry Harrison, the then Indiana Territory Governor. Evansville was founded in 1812. Hugh McGary Jr. purchased 441 acres and named it Evansville in honor of Colonel Robert Morgan Evans. The State incorporated Evansville as a city in 1817, and it also became the county seat of Vanderburgh County. Evansville experienced an economic boom when it became a thriving commercial town with a river trade, and that’s how it started expanding. In the second half of the 19th century, Evansville experienced its most remarkable economic growth due to the disruptions of the Civil War. The city was the primary stop for steamboats along the Ohio River. It served as the home port for companies engaged in trade through the river. Some economic activities included coal mining, manufacturing, and hardwood lumber. The arrival of the railroad and the expansion of the hardwood furniture industry propelled economic growth in the city. The city had experienced significant growth by the mid-20th century because of the lumber industry, and manufacturing in the refrigeration and automobile industries continued to grow. The city’s transportation position improved due to the construction of U.S. Highway 41 and an airport. During World War II, Evansville became an important center for industrial production, which revitalized its economy. After the war, Evansville’s industrial base was influential in its growth due to post-war demands for automobiles, farm equipment, and household appliances. The city has become the hub of the tri-state region’s medical, service, and commercial industries.

First, you should visit the Evansville Museum of Art, History & Science, which has something for everyone. The museum is in the Downtown Historic District. Its highlight tours will keep you engaged with permanent and traveling exhibitions and permanent collections.

Enjoy nature at the Hartman Arboretum, where you will see three gardens: a hydrangea, wildlife, and competitive gardens. The arboretum holds events from spring through fall, including Moth Night, Tree ID, and Butterfly Day.

Military history lovers should not miss the USS LST-325, where you will take a tour in a fully operational World War II vessel. Visitors will explore the well-preserved artifact, documents, and photo collections.

You should not forget to visit Angel Mounds, the best-preserved site of prehistoric Native American culture in the United States. It spans 100 acres along the Ohio River, built by the Middle Mississippian Native Americans, who resided there between 1000 and 1450 AD.

Some other things you could do is visit the Master Park Zoo and Botanic Garden. You can also experience outdoor activities at the city’s many recreational parks, dine at favorite food spots, and enjoy sports at the city stadiums.