Evanston, South Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Evanston Gawler, South Australia
Evanston Railway Station
Evanston Location in Town of Gawler
Postcode(s)	5116
LGA(s)	Town of Gawler
State electorate(s)	Light
Federal Division(s)	Spence
Suburbs around Evanston: Buchfelde, Reid Gawler West Gawler South Hillier Evanston Evanston Gardens Evanston South Evanston Park

Evanston, which was once called Evans Town, is a suburb located just south of the town of Gawler in South Australia. It's a busy area where you can find the Gawler and District College and the Gawler Racecourse. There's also a supermarket and a large shopping area with stores that sell many different items, like carpets, fishing supplies, electronics, and bikes.

A Look Back at Evanston's History

Early Days and First People

Before European settlers arrived, the land where Evanston now stands was home to the Kaurna people. They were the traditional owners of the Adelaide Plains and lived here for thousands of years.

How Evanston Got Its Name

In 1850, a man named James Philcox bought some land in this area. He was a land speculator, which means he bought large pieces of land hoping their value would increase so he could sell them later for a profit. James Philcox was born in England in 1812. He came to South Australia in the 1840s and 1850s. He is also known for naming another suburb in Adelaide called Marryatville.

James Philcox married Ann Taylor Evans in 1838. It is believed that he named the area "Evanston" after his wife, Ann Taylor Evans.

Evanston Becomes a Township

In 1853, a plan for the Evanston township was officially recorded. The land was then transferred to Sir John Morphett. Two years later, on November 14, 1855, a newspaper called The Register referred to the area as "Evans Town." James Philcox later returned to England in 1853 to retire.