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Evanston, WY

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Evanston, WY

Evanston is a city in and the county seat of Uinta County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 11,747 at the 2020 census. It is located near the border with Utah.

Evanston is located at 41°15′48″N 110°57′53″W (41.263302, −110.964616). The elevation is 6749 feet (2057 m) above sea level. Interstate 80/US-189 and State Routes 89 and 150 serve the city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.32 square miles (26.73 km²), of which 10.27 square miles (26.60 km²) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km²) is water. Evanston has a continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb) with long, cold, dry winters and short, warm, slightly more humid summers.

Evanston was named after James A. Evans, a civil engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad. Another source maintains it is named for John Evans, second Governor of the Territory of Colorado. The town was founded during the construction of the first transcontinental railroad. The railroad arrived in the area in November 1868, and Harvey Booth opened a saloon/restaurant in a tent near what is now Front Street. By December the rails had reached Evanston and the first train arrived December 16. However, orders were later handed down by the railroad managers to move the end of the line 12 miles west, to Wahsatch. Within three days, most all of Evanston had moved to Wasatch. It appeared that Evanston would become another "end of the tracks" town. In June 1869 headquarters returned to Evanston and it continued to grow. Later in 1871, a machine shop and roundhouse were constructed, giving Evanston a longevity not shared by many other railroad towns.

Abundant timber and water along the Bear River made Evanston a refueling station for cross-country locomotives. Coal was mined in Almy, a few miles north of Evanston. Similar to other railroad towns in Wyoming, early Evanston had a large population of Chinese Railroad Workers – in Evanston they lived on the north side of the railroad tracks in a small "China town." Over time, the Chinese population dwindled; the last two members of the first generation of immigrants died in the 1930s.

Evanston was a major stop on the Lincoln Highway. The highway ran east to west from East Service Rd to Bear River Dr, on Front St to Harrison Dr, to Wasatch Rd southwest to Echo Canyon in Utah. It can still be seen along Interstate 80, which follows the railroad tracks in this area.

Evanston underwent massive growth and change during an oil boom in the 1980s. Recent drilling for natural gas has also revitalized the economy of the area. Union Tank Car works on railroad tank cars near the Union Pacific Railroad Complex, locally referred to as the old roundhouse. There are restored railroad buildings, including a roundhouse, in the downtown area. One of the more recent restorations include 1011 Front Street. This building, located in historic downtown Evanston, is across the street from the museum in Depot Square. Another restoration project included the rebuilding of the Joss house in Depot Square in 1990; the original had been destroyed in a fire in 1922.

Health and wellness are paramount in Evanston, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Evanston Regional Hospital stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Evanston Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Evanston Boxing Club, CrossFit and Intentional Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Evanston, such as the Bear River State Park Loop and Lily Lake from Mill Creek Road. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Evanston, WY are Bear River State Park, Purple Sage Golf Course, Uinta County Museum, and the City of Evanston WY-Roundhouse & Railyards.

Population: 11,845 (2022). ZIP codes: 82930. Elevation: 2,057 m6,749 ft (2,057 m). Area code: 307. Area: 10.33 sq mi (26.76 km²).

FAQs

What is Evanston, WY known for?

Surrounded by mountains, Evanston is a recreational mecca for camping, hunting, mountain biking, and other outdoor opportunities. The Bear River flows right through town creating kayaking, floating, and fishing activities, as well. In Bear River State Park, visitors have a great chance of viewing bull elk and bison. South of Evanston sits the Uinta Mountains, featuring the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway.

Is Evanston, WY a good place to live?

Living in Evanston offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families live in Evanston and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Evanston are above average.

What is the crime rate in Evanston, WY?

The crime rate in Evanston is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 20 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Evanston is 1 in 51. Based on FBI crime data, Evanston is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Wyoming, Evanston has a crime rate that is higher than 89% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Evanston

Evanston Regional Hospital

Evanston Parks and Recreation Department

Evanston Boxing Club

CrossFit 

Intentional Fitness

Bear River State Park Loop 

Lily Lake from Mill Creek Road

Bear River State Park

Purple Sage Golf Course

Uinta County Museum

City of Evanston WY-Roundhouse & Railyards

Travel Wyoming

Niche

NeighborhoodScout

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