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Evanston, Illinois

Located in Cook County, Illinois, Evanston was established in 1857. First U.S. city to fund reparations for Black residents. Northwestern University's main campus is here.
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Founded 1857 | Population 78,000 | Peak 78,000 (2024) | County Cook County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Evanston, Illinois

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1851 Northwestern: University founded.
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1890 Higher Education: Educational institutions helped define Evanston's character and economy.
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1892 Incorporated: Evanston was officially incorporated as a city.
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2021 Reparations: First U.S. city to fund reparations.
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Latest News in Evanston

Jan 1, 1970
They’ve Won $288 Million From The Lottery But The State Won’t Pay Them
Winning the lottery has been the dream for many, and in Illinois, lottery winners are hitting the jackpot.
Jan 1, 1970
Heres what These New Purple Parking Spots Mean
In the bustling streets of American cities back in May 2016, a splash of purple began popping up in parking lots, catching the eye…
Jan 1, 1970
Politician Dies After Husband Sets Explosive During Sex Car
In a bizarre and tragic turn of events last week, a prominent politician met a sudden and violent end when her husband allegedly r…

Complete Historical Timeline

1851 Culture
Northwestern
1890 Culture
Higher Education
1892 Government
Incorporated
2021 Civil Rights
Reparations

Did You Know?

1
First U.S. city to fund reparations for Black residents.
2
Northwestern University's main campus is here.
3
Named for John Evans, NW founder.
4
Evanston is located in Cook County, Illinois.
5
Evanston was founded in 1857.

Famous People from Evanston, Illinois

CH
Charlton Heston
Screenwriter, Actor · Born Oct 4, 1923 · Died Apr 5, 2008 (age 84)
JC
John Cusack
Screenwriter, Actor · Born Jun 28, 1966 · Age 59
EP
Edmund Phelps
Economist, University Teacher · Born Jul 26, 1933 · Age 92
EV
Eddie Vedder
Singer, Singer-Songwriter · Born Dec 23, 1964 · Age 61
WP
William Petersen
Actor, Television Producer · Born Feb 21, 1953 · Age 73

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