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City Of Evanston

2100 Ridge Avenue
847-328-2100

Northwestern University, a major landmark of Evanston, was actually founded before the City itself. In 1851, the plans for Northwestern began and in 1855, Northwestern University opened its doors for the first time to 10 students. The founders of Northwestern, one being John Evans, submitted to the county judge their plans for a city and their wishes to rename the town Evanston in 1854. In 1857, the town of Evanston was namedDuring the Civil War, the town of Evanston fought on the side of the abolitionists. After the war, Evanston saw a huge economic and population boom. Between 1860 and 1870, the population quadrupled.

Also during this time, an amendment was passed that prohibited the sale of alcohol within four miles of the Northwestern campus. Evanston became a town that supported the prohibition movement and the Women's Christian Temperance Union was founded in Evanston in 1874. Evanston continued to grow and remain independent of Chicago. The city became known for its architecture and beautiful homes on the lake. Between 1920 and 1930, there was a 70 percent population increase. Today, Evanston is sill thriving as an independent city. There are many cultural outlets in Evanston, there is a thriving business economy and public lakefront recreation activities. Evanston continues to prosper and refuses to be overshadowed by Chicago

Recent News

City Of Evanston News - January 8, 2024

Statement on Ongoing Migrant Humanitarian Crisis Evanston, IL - Over the past several months, the influx of migrants into the Chicago area has created a growing humanitarian crisis. Evanston is committed to doing all we can to facilitate humane…

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Evanston Health Department Investigates Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Big Wig Tacos and Burritos

Evanston Health Department Investigates Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Big Wig Tacos & Burritos EVANSTON, IL - The Evanston Health and Human Services Department (EHHS) is currently investigating a confirmed norovirus outbreak with the…

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Holiday Light Recycling Program Begins December 1, 2023

Evanston, IL - The City of Evanston's annual holiday light recycling program will run from Friday, December 1, 2023, through Sunday, January 31, 2023, in conjunction with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) and Elgin Recycling. …

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City of Evanston Youth Flag Design Contest

Evanston, IL - It’s time to design a new flag for the City of Evanston! Mayor Biss is launching a design contest open to all Evanston artists and designers in grades K-12. The flag should reflect the unique history, geography, and…

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The City of Evanston Reaches Milestone

The City of Evanston Reaches Milestone: Distributes Over $1 Million in Reparations Funding EVANSTON, IL - The City of Evanston's Reparations Committee has announced a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to address historical injustices…

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City Launches Initiative to Combat Opioid Overdoses, Installs Emergency Naloxone Boxes

City Launches Initiative to Combat Opioid Overdoses, Installs Emergency Naloxone Boxes EVANSTON, IL - Through an important collaboration, the Evanston Health and Human Services Department has partnered with the Evanston Public Library and…

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City Of Evanston News - July 25, 2023

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City Of Evanston News - July 19, 2023

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City Of Evanston News - ETHS to Move 'Geometry in Construction' House

ETHS to Move 'Geometry in Construction' House on July 31 EVANSTON, IL - Evanston Township High School (ETHS) will move a single-family home on Monday, July 31 beginning at 9 a.m. The home will move from 1600 Dodge Ave. to 1739 Brown Ave. The…

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Celebrate 100 Years of Evanston Fourth of July Association Celebrations!

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