Ten Fascinating Facts About Evansville's Unique History

10 Things I Didn’t Know About Evansville (Until I Moved Here)

Being new to Evansville, I’m quickly learning there’s A LOT more history here than I ever expected. Don’t get me wrong—my small hometown is cute—but we weren’t home to the Roseanne house or the ballpark where women made baseball history. The more I learn, the more I realize this city has been quietly cool for a very long time. Here are ten things I honestly didn’t know about Evansville until I got here:

1. The Roseanne House Is Here

Yep, that house. The exterior shots from the show were filmed right here in Evansville, and people still stop by to see it.

2. Bosse Field Is One of the Oldest Ballparks in the Country

Built in 1915, Bosse Field is the third-oldest professional baseball stadium still in use—and it hosted the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

3. Women’s Pro Baseball Was Played Here

Long before it was “cool,” women were playing professional baseball in Evansville during World War II. A League of Their Own vibes, very much real life.

4. Evansville Helped Win WWII—Literally

The city was a major hub for war production, especially with P-47 Thunderbolt fighter planes being built right here.

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5. There’s a Nuclear Submarine Named After the City

The USS Evansville exists—and yes, that’s a flex.

6. The Ohio River Used to Be a Major Highway

Before interstates, the river was how everything moved—people, goods, and the city’s economy.

7. We Have a Legit Planetarium

The Koch Immersive Theater at the Evansville Museum isn’t just impressive—it’s nationally recognized.

Callie Sue

8. This City Loves Its Festivals

From Fall Festival to PorchFest, Evansville shows up when it’s time to celebrate.

9. Prohibition Didn’t Slow Things Down Much

Evansville had a reputation for bending the rules when it came to alcohol—and the stories are legendary.

10. There’s History on Almost Every Block

From architecture to neighborhoods, you’re rarely standing somewhere that *doesn’t* have a story.

So yeah, being new to Evansville has been eye-opening in the best way. This city may fly under the radar, but once you start digging, you realize it’s been making history for generations—and I’m just getting started learning it.

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