Stretching north from Howard Street and west from Lake Michigan, Evanston is a vibrant community comprising many strong neighborhoods, races, religions, and levels of income.

History

Northwestern University, a major landmark of Evanston, was actually founded before the City itself. In 1851, the plans for Northwestern began and in 1855, Northwestern University opened its doors for the first time to 10 students. The founders of Northwestern, one being John Evans, submitted to the county judge their plans for a city and their wishes to rename the town Evanston in 1854. In 1857, the town of Evanston was named.

During the Civil War, the town of Evanston fought on the side of the abolitionists. After the war, Evanston saw a huge economic and population boom. Between 1860 and 1870, the population quadrupled.

Also during this time, an amendment was passed that prohibited the sale of alcohol within four miles of the Northwestern campus. Evanston became a town that supported the prohibition movement and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union was founded in Evanston in 1874.

Evanston continued to grow and remain independent of Chicago. The city became known for its architecture and beautiful homes on the lake. Between 1920 and 1930, there was a 70 percent population increase.

Today, Evanston is still thriving as an independent city. There are many cultural outlets in Evanston, there is a thriving business economy and public lakefront recreation activities. Evanston continues to prosper and refuses to be overshadowed by Chicago.

Evanston History Center

Shorefront Legacy Center

Facts, Figures, & Demographics

Evanston, IL: According to the United States Census Bureau

For more data, see Evanston's U.S. Census Bureau Profile or the Census Bureau's QuickFacts page for Evanston, IL.