Evans City
Evans City is the name given in 1882 at the city’s incorporation of a borough of an old settlement. It is situated on Breakneck Creek.
Discover Evans City: History, Nature, and Community
Its site was for a long time a favorite camping ground for the Indians, who named the creek Big Beaver run; while the French knew it as Casse-cou-anse or Breakneck creek,--a name adopted by travelers between Fort Duquesne and Fort Machault, and by the English speaking pioneers of the original township of Connoquenessing, Pennsylvania.
Evans City is conveniently located just two miles from Interstate 79 and Route 19, and 25 minutes from Interstates 279 and 80. The town officially changed its name in 1968 but actually originated in 1790 when Robert Boggs acquired property to start a grist mill. He christened the property Boggs Mill. Boggs sold the property and mill to Thomas Evans in 1836. Evans built a new mill and developed plans for a village which he named Evansburg.
When oil was discovered in 1915, it precipitated the growth of the little town. Although over drilling quickly depleted the oil supply, both the town and its businesses flourished. Even before Evansburg experienced such rapid growth, it had an important accoutrement, a post office. The original, built in 1837, was called Breakneck. In 1882, its name was changed to Evans City. Concurrently, Evansburg Boro was incorporated.
Today, Evans City has nearly 3,000 residents, most of whom share the same German heritage as the early settlers who came here.
Night of the Living Dead
Evans City, Pennsylvania is known for its connection to the classic horror film "Night of the Living Dead," which was released in 1968. Directed by George A. Romero, the film is widely regarded as a groundbreaking work in the zombie genre and has since become a cult classic.
"Night of the Living Dead" was filmed on a shoestring budget, and the production team sought out a suitable location for the movie. They discovered the Evans City Cemetery, which provided a perfect backdrop for the eerie and atmospheric scenes featured in the film. Many iconic moments, including the first zombie sighting and the intense final sequence, were filmed in and around the Evans City Cemetery.
The cemetery's distinct appearance, with its rolling hills, aged tombstones, and serene surroundings, contributed significantly to the film's unsettling atmosphere. The combination of the black-and-white cinematography and the cemetery's real-world location added to the movie's realism and impact. The Evans City Cemetery is often considered a landmark of horror cinema and continues to attract fans and enthusiasts of "Night of the Living Dead" from around the world.
To honor the film's legacy, Evans City hosts an annual "Living Dead Weekend," which features various events, screenings, and activities related to "Night of the Living Dead" and other horror films. The event draws fans, filmmakers, and actors associated with the movie, creating a unique experience for horror enthusiasts.
Overall, Evans City's connection to "Night of the Living Dead" stems from its prominent role as a filming location for the movie and its subsequent recognition as a significant site in horror cinema history.
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