Incorporated as a village in 1863, the town (named in honor of John Evans, a central founder of Northwestern) grew slowly through the 1860s. The Chicago Fire of 1871 led thousands of well-to-do Chicagoans, fearing another fire, to build homes in Evanston.

Who founded Evanston IL?

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.

Is Evanston a rich neighborhood?

In Evanston, which was rated the fourth wealthiest town in the Midwest, residents have a median household income of $73,671, a median home value of $315,600, and 28 percent of homes having no mortgage.