Downtown in Evansville in Vanderburgh County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

1800 to 1850

Growing into a City

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 30, 2025

1. 1800 to 1850 Marker

Inscription. The arrival of large numbers of settlers at the start of the nineteenth century attracted steamboats to the area and ferry service across the Ohio River and Pigeon Creek. Excavation started in 1837 on a canal later known as the Wabash & Erie Canal. Its terminus was at the bank of Pigeon Creek. At about that time, the first bridge across the creek was built at Maryland Street. The river and canal attracted lumber mills, gristmills, fledgling foundries, and boatyards. Evansville was a rapidly growing city with a thriving commercial center.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Wabash & Erie Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 37° 58.636′ N, 87° 35.148′ W. Marker is in Evansville, Indiana, in Vanderburgh County. It is in Downtown. It is on South 7th Avenue west of Ohio River Scenic Byway, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 298 S 7th Ave, Evansville IN 47708, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Tri-State Region

and in Southern Indiana.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Ohio River Valley,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Before 1800 / Evansville (here, next to this marker); 1900 to 1950 / Orr Iron (a few steps from this marker); 2000 & Beyond (a

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few steps from this marker); 1950 to 2000 / General Waste (a few steps from this marker); Mary Harris “Mother” Jones / Activism in Indiana (within shouting distance of this marker); Joan Marchand Bridge (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pigeon Creek / Sweezer Pond (about 700 feet away); Evansville Shipyard/Joan Marchand Bridge/Ohio River (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Evansville.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Joan Marchand Bridge (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 30, 2025

2. 1800 to 1850 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 45 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.