A Brief History of Evans
Evans took shape around the Denver Pacific Railroad’s advance through the South Platte Valley in 1869. Railroad tracks reached the site on November 8, and the town was platted on November 22. Its depot was initially called Stage, honoring railroad brakeman Bill Stage, before the community took the name of former territorial governor John Evans. The railroad brought settlers and commerce, while saloons became a conspicuous contrast with neighboring Greeley’s prohibition of alcohol. Evans also competed with Greeley for the Weld County seat; county commissioners confirmed Greeley as the seat in 1877, ending a contentious chapter of local rivalry.