Evansville: The World War II Years (IN) (Images of America)

World War II changed the face of Evansville, Indiana. In December 1941, the city was still recovering from the Great Depression, yet within three months, a series of blockbuster

announcements transformed the region. Several corporations received major defense contracts to manufacture parts and ammunitions, while two new installations were launched: a shipyard to construct Landing Ship Tanks and a factory to manufacture P–47 airplanes. Industrial employment rose dramatically, producing social, economic, and racial tensions as thousands of newcomers poured into a city that lacked adequate housing and public

facilities. The citizens of Evansville persevered, and most workers stayed following the end of the war. One federal official commented that the city—not just its many defense plants—deserved the coveted Army-Navy “E” (for excellence) award.