Evansport in Defiance County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Evansport
(Side One)
Evansport is named after brothers Amos and Albert G. Evans who, with Jacob Coy, had the village surveyed next to the Tiffin River on December 14, 1835. The "port" suffix in Evansport's name reflects the river's significance as a transportation thoroughfare. Evansport's early growth was spurred by its mills powered by the Tiffin River. The mills provided settlers with lumber for buildings and supplied flour and cornmeal for sustenance and commerce. Settlers who poured into Williams County's northern townships in the 1830s agitated debate about moving the county seat to a more centralized location. Evansport was platted as a possible site for the county seat. The Williams County seat was moved to Bryan in 1840 and in 1845 Defiance County was created, leaving Evansport on the Williams-Defiance county line.
(Side Two)
Evansport reached its peak around 1880 with a population of more than 300 residents. The town featured fine residences, Methodist Episcopal and United Brethren churches, Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges, and a variety of business including blacksmiths, coopers (barrel makers), general stores, a wagon maker and gunsmith. Bypassed by railroads and major highways, Evansport, like many 19th century rural economic centers, became a bedroom community with a rich heritage. For many years, Evansport's fire protection consisted of hastily-organized bucket brigades. Fires in 1893, 1921 and 1925 destroyed many downtown business buildings. In 1940, Evansport residents organized a fire department and purchased a used fire truck. In 2007, Tiffin Township Fire Department's small downtown firehouse was replaced by a 7,000 square-foot, $700,000 fire station at Main and Church streets. The site was formerly occupied by the Evansport School.
Erected 2010 by Stryker Area Heritage Council, Evansport Terquasquicentennial Committee, and the Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 5-20.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1902.
Location. 41° 25.453′ N, 84° 23.795′ W. Marker is in Evansport, Ohio, in Defiance County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Church Street, on the right when traveling south on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1258 Main Street, Evansport OH 43519, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Evansport Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.2 miles away); Buck Cemetery Civil War Memorial (approx. 1˝ miles away); Stryker (approx. 5.1 miles away); Draining the Great Black Swamp (approx. 5.3 miles away); Stryker Veterans Memorial (approx. 5.4 miles away); William James Knight / Andrews Raiders (approx. 5.4 miles away); a different marker also named Stryker (approx. 5˝ miles away); Stryker Depot (approx. 5˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Evansport.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 806 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 4, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.