Evanston, city, Cook County, northeastern Illinois, on Lake Michigan, near Chicago; incorporated 1882. Manufactures include electronic and laboratory equipment, beverages, and steel products. The health-care industry is also economically important. Known as an educational and research center, it is the seat of Northwestern University, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (1853), Seabury-Western Theological Seminary (1933), National Louis University (1886), and Kendall College (1934). Of note are a concert hall, several performing arts centers, and the headquarters of the National Women's Christian Temperance Union, which includes the home (built 1865) of the educator and reformer Frances E. Willard. Founded in 1853 as the site for Northwestern University, Evanston is named for John Evans, one of the university's founders. Population 73,706 (1980); 73,233 (1990); 74,239 (2000).
