[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 103 (Tuesday, June 13, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2064-S2065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF EVANSVILLE, WYOMING

  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.

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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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