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Historic Structures of

Evansville, Indiana

Reitz House


Evansville (pop 126,272) is the seat of Vanderburgh Co. in southwest Indiana. Incorporated in 1847, it is an important transportation hub and a regional cultural and industrial center.

Settled in 1812, the community grew as a river port, especially after the completion in 1853 of the Wabash and Erie Canal linking the Ohio River at Evansville with Lake Erie. It is named for Robert M. Evans (1783-1842), who mapped the area.

The city is the seat of the University of Evansville (1854), the University of Southern Indiana (1965), and the Evansville Museum of Arts and Science.

The history of Evansville is preserved in its remarkable historic architecture. A walking or trolley tour of any of several national historic districts will allow you to experience first-hand the lives and times of our ancestors.

Downtown features a number of architectural jewels, including the Old Post Office and the Old Courthouse. For tour information, contact the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau (812-425-5402).

Evansville, Indiana - Reitz House - Second Empire

Reitz House, 1872

224 S.E. 1st St.

The Historic Reitz Home, a classic Victorian mansion with period furnishings.

Tours are given of the home. Call the number at top of this page for more information.

Evansville, Indiana - Reitz House - Second Empire

Reitz House, 1872

This building is an example of the Second Empire style of architecture. Borrowing heavily from France, the Second Empire style is marked by mansard roofs (steeply sloping roofs punctuated with windows, as in this example) and asymmetry.

Another example of this style can be seen in the Sheriff's House on the Crown Point page.

Evansville, Indiana - Reitz House - Second Empire

Reitz House, 1872

Detail of front

These photos are courtesy of the photographer, Mike Habeck (mhabeck@inetdirect.net). Mike is with EcoIndiana and, in addition to being concerned about historic architecture, is also looking out for the state's natural environment. Our thanks to Mike for sharing these photos with us.

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