Centennial Celebration of Evansville, Wyoming
Floor Speech
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Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the Centennial of Evansville, WY. Located in Natrona County, just east of the city of Casper, Evansville is home to 2,746 residents. Settled along the North Platte River, the area boasts many opportunities for outdoor recreation and activities. Visitors to the Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park can enjoy fishing, hiking, canoeing, and biking. Named after Edness Wilkins, a longtime Natrona County legislator, the park is also a great place for wildlife viewing.
Evansville's history is built upon a legacy of opportunity. With its proximity to the North Platte River, the area was a gateway to the West. The area, originally popular with mountain men and fur traders, attracted thousands of American Pioneers along the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails during the 1850s and 1860s.
In the fall of 1852, French trader John Baptiste Richard built the first successful bridge over the North Platte River. He designed the thousand-foot bridge with reinforced wood piers meant to withstand high water and strong currents. Given his accent, many thought Richard pronounced his name ``Reshaw.'' Thus, the crossing became widely known as Reshaw's Bridge. It was completed in 1853 and was immensely popular. That year, nearly 50,000 people paid fees to cross the river safely.
As traffic at the bridge increased, a settlement developed in the area. This included a trading post, where travelers could barter for buckskin clothing, moccasins, and other supplies. Eventually, competition from other bridges and alternate routes drew visitors away, and the post was abandoned.
In 1855, the US Army established Fort Clay, an outpost of Fort Laramie, where soldiers protected citizens living in the area. By 1856, the fort housed the 10th Infantry, led by Captain Henry Heth. It was renamed Camp Davis in honor of Jefferson Davis. The Army briefly used Camp Davis from 1855 to 1856 and later as a supply post during the Mormon war.
During an especially hard winter in 1865-66, soldiers from nearby Fort Caspar dismantled Reshaw's Bridge and used it for firewood. Today, a replica of the bridge stands in Reshaw Park in Evansville. The town of Evansville also maintains a free exhibit in the community center detailing the site's history.
In 1911, William T. Evans, an English immigrant, homesteaded a plot of land in the area and began a successful ranch. As the area grew, Evans began parceling off property for homes and businesses. He built many of the area's most prominent buildings, including the Bishop House in Casper, which was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2001. Evansville was officially incorporated on May 15, 1923.
Evansville and the surrounding area experienced rapid growth during the oil boom of the 1920s, with the discovery of oil and natural gas at Salt Creek Oil Field. During this time, Evansville was home to two of the State's 16 refineries. The Texas Company, established in 1922, and White Eagle Oil and Refining, established in 1923, boosted the small town's economy. While oil and natural gas development is still a primary economic driver, Evansville has many thriving small businesses whose owners are committed to giving back to the community.
The only Wyoming State Veterans Cemetery--Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery--is also located in Evansville. Built in 1983, the cemetery holds regular events to honor our current, former, and fallen U.S. servicemembers.
On November 11, 2022--Veterans Day--I was honored to join members of the Evansville community in honoring the life and service of Leo Sanchez. Leo, a Casper native, served as a U.S. Marine in the Korean war. Officials renamed a bridge leading from the cemetery to Evansville the Leo R. Sanchez Freedom Bridge. It is a testament to his decades of service as a teacher, mentor, and American hero.
There are several events planned to celebrate Evansville's centennial. On May 15, the town's actual centennial, Evansville's first responders hosted a parade. Students at Evansville Elementary School spent time learning about the area's history and contributed to a time capsule. On June 24, town officials and residents will celebrate its 100th birthday with a family-friendly festival in Reshaw Park. There will be vendors, food trucks, and live music and a fireworks show. I appreciate the efforts of Evansville council member Candace Machado and the members of the centennial planning committee: Alona Vigneault, Town Clerk Janelle Underwood, PW Director Robert Lewallen, Carol Knop, Ardell Breed, Fire Chief Leo Malsom, and Police Chief Mike Thompson.
The Town of Evansville is led by these dedicated individuals:
Chad Edwards, Mayor
Candace Machado, Council Member
Dacia Edward, Council Member
Greg Flesvig, Council Member
Janelle Underwood, Clerk
Lexi Erickson, Treasurer
Shane Porter, Planning/Zoning Director
Robert Lewallen, Public Works Director
Mike Thompson, Police Chief
Leo Malsom, Fire Chief
Evansville is a remarkable place. I applaud the citizens who continue to improve their community, making it a safe and welcoming place for all to visit. In honor of Evansville's centennial celebration, my wife Bobbi joins me in recognizing this special milestone.
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