Everett Burdette was a Vanderburgh County, Indiana serviceman who was killed during World War I and became the namesake of both Everett Burdette American Legion Post 187 and Burdette Park on Evansville’s west side.
Although his life was cut short by the war, Burdette’s name became permanently connected to one of Vanderburgh County’s best-known recreational landmarks.
Early Life
Everett Burdette was from Vanderburgh County, Indiana, and was among the local men who served in the United States military during World War I.
Like thousands of young Americans from communities across the country, Burdette entered military service after the United States joined the war in 1917.
Burdette was killed while serving during World War I.
Following the war, his name was chosen to represent a local American Legion post established by veterans in Vanderburgh County.
Everett Burdette American Legion Post 187
The Everett Burdette American Legion Post 187 was named in his honor.
American Legion posts established following World War I were frequently named for local servicemen who had died during the conflict. The naming of Post 187 ensured that Burdette’s name would remain connected to Evansville and Vanderburgh County long after the war ended.
The organization would eventually play an important role in the development of what became Burdette Park.
Burdette Park
In 1927, Everett Burdette American Legion Post 187 purchased approximately 40 acres of property west of Evansville.
The Legion envisioned the property as a recreational retreat where veterans and their families could escape the city and enjoy the wooded countryside.
Development began the following year. Legion members and volunteers cleared portions of the property and constructed recreational facilities, including a two-story clubhouse.
The property became known as Burdette Park, carrying Everett Burdette’s name from the American Legion post to the growing recreation area.
Natural salt springs on the property contributed to its popularity, and saltwater swimming became one of the park’s unusual early attractions.
By the early 1930s, thousands of people were reportedly visiting the recreation area each week.
Transfer to Vanderburgh County
During the Great Depression, the American Legion transferred the property to Vanderburgh County.
The transfer allowed the park to benefit from federal Depression-era work programs. Workers employed through programs including the Civil Works Administration, Federal Emergency Relief Administration, and Works Progress Administration expanded and improved the property.
Trails, bridges, cabins, swimming facilities, and other recreational features were developed throughout the park.
Burdette Park officially opened to the general public in 1936.
Legacy
Everett Burdette’s most visible legacy in Evansville is Burdette Park.
What began as approximately 40 acres purchased by an American Legion post bearing his name eventually grew into a roughly 180-acre Vanderburgh County recreational complex.
Today, Burdette Park includes the Burdette Park Aquatic Center, campgrounds, trails, athletic facilities, playgrounds, event facilities, and the USI-Burdette Trail connecting the park with the University of Southern Indiana.
Thousands of Evansville-area residents visit the park each year, many without realizing that the name “Burdette” originated with a local serviceman who died during World War I.
More than a century after his death, Everett Burdette’s name remains part of the geography and history of Vanderburgh County.