General Robert Morgan Evans (February 17, 1782 – December 14, 1842) was an American pioneer, soldier, businessman and politician for whom Evansville, Indiana, was named. An important figure in the early development of southwestern Indiana, Evans served in the Indiana territorial and state legislatures and later became Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives.

Early life and military service

Evans was born in Virginia and moved west, eventually settling in the Indiana Territory near present-day Princeton in Gibson County.

He served in the Indiana militia and participated in the War of 1812, serving under William Henry Harrison. He eventually attained the rank of brigadier general.

Evansville

The settlement that became Evansville was established by Hugh McGary Jr., who purchased land along the Ohio River in 1812. McGary initially called the settlement McGary’s Landing.

In 1814, McGary renamed the settlement Evansville in honor of Robert Morgan Evans, a prominent military veteran and territorial legislator whose name and influence were believed to help attract settlers to the young community.

Evans later became directly involved in the city’s development. Around 1820, he moved to what is now Vanderburgh County after purchasing land from McGary. Evans became one of the early proprietors of the town and helped lay out lots and streets. He also served as Vanderburgh County Clerk and was involved in local business and real estate.

Evans advocated for transportation improvements that he believed would help Evansville grow, including attempts while serving in the state legislature to bring railroad service to the city.

Political career

Evans served in the Indiana territorial legislature before Indiana achieved statehood and later served in the Indiana General Assembly.

In 1825, he was elected Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, serving in that position during the 1825–1826 legislative session.

Legacy

Evans died in Evansville in 1842. He is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Evansville, where a memorial recognizes him as a soldier, pioneer, businessman and early proprietor of the city.

His greatest legacy remains the city that bears his name. Although Hugh McGary Jr. is considered Evansville’s founder, Robert Morgan Evans played an important role in the community’s early development and became the namesake of what would grow into one of Indiana’s largest cities.