Nestled just northeast of downtown Morgantown, the Evansdale neighborhood pulses with a history as rich as its lush, rolling hills. Known today for its inviting mix of residential streets, university energy, and green spaces, Evansdale is truly a gem—the kind of place where every corner tells a story and every street echoes the footsteps of generations past. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new in town, let’s take a walk through the neighborhood’s fascinating past and see how Evansdale has grown into the vibrant community it is today.
The Origins of Evansdale: Farmland and Foundations
Long before the hum of buses and the crowds of students, Evansdale was a rural expanse on the outskirts of Morgantown proper. At the turn of the 20th century, this area was mostly farmland, dotted with family homesteads and the occasional outbuilding. The land was once part of larger parcels owned by prominent local families. The Evans family, in particular, left an indelible mark—both in landholding and in the neighborhood’s very name.
It’s believed that Evansdale was named in honor of Judge Ira E. Evans, a respected figure involved in local governance and education. The presence of the Evans family’s land and influence gave rise, by the early-to-mid 1900s, to a formal community that would eventually become known as Evansdale.
From Fields to Vision: The Arrival of West Virginia University
The real catalyst for Evansdale’s transformation came in the 1950s and 1960s with the expansion of West Virginia University (WVU). As WVU’s student body swelled post-World War II, the university needed space to grow. The sloping hills and open fields of Evansdale, just a couple of miles from downtown, offered the perfect terrain.
Key investments included the construction of:
- The Evansdale Residential Complex and Towers, rising above Evansdale Drive, which have housed generations of Mountaineers.
- Engineering, agricultural, and creative arts buildings along the cleverly named University Avenue, Morill Way, and Patteson Drive.
- The iconic Creative Arts Center, which now welcomes visitors with its striking geometric architecture.
The establishment of signature WVU buildings attracted faculty, staff, and students, fundamentally reshaping Evansdale’s landscape and kick-starting decades of development.
Landmarks and Local Legends
While Evansdale today is largely associated with the university, it remains a neighborhood with its own identity and landmarks.
- Evansdale Crossing: The sleek, modern glass building that now bridges university life connects students and residents alike, with dining, study spaces, and incredible views of the Monongahela River valley.
- Core Arboretum: On the western edge, the Core Arboretum remains one of Morgantown’s treasures. This living museum of native trees and plants, with trails winding down to the river, is a testament to both WVU’s commitment to ecology and Evansdale’s natural beauty.
- Krepps Park: Tucked along Patteson Drive, Krepps Park is the community playground—perfect for picnics, summer swimming, and autumn leaf-peeping under a canopy of old oaks.
- Suncrest Elementary: The current school, located at the edge of Evansdale, has educated generations and remains a pillar of the community.
Other notable streets like Oakland Street and Engineering Lane echo the neighborhood’s academic transformation but also feature a blend of homes from various eras—evidence of the slow but steady shift from farmland to a bustling, walkable community.
Evolving Over Decades: Growth, Diversity, and Community Spirit
The Evansdale neighborhood, while shaped by the university’s needs, has retained a proud residential spirit. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, new apartment complexes and single-family homes sprouted to accommodate both students and young families drawn by the promise of parks and proximity to education.
The opening of the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) in 1975—a futuristic people-mover connecting Evansdale with downtown and the Health Sciences campus—set Evansdale apart, granting unprecedented access across Morgantown and supporting further residential and commercial growth along Patteson Drive.
Today, Evansdale offers a mix of long-established households and international students, all adding to a lively, multicultural tapestry. The gentle hum of Fourth of July fireworks from Mountaineer Field, the laughter echoing through Krepps Park, and the quiet moments in the Core Arboretum all contribute to a sense of community that defines Evansdale.
What Makes Evansdale Special?
Above all, Evansdale’s enduring charm comes from the connection between its people and its landscape:
- A morning jog through the leafy trails of the arboretum.
- Neighbors chatting on porches along Evansdale Drive.
- Students sharing coffee in the buzzing commons of Evansdale Crossing.
- Annual block parties, school events, and impromptu soccer matches in the parks.
It’s both a gateway to student life and a haven for families—alive with stories of growth, adaptation, and local pride.
Looking Forward
As Evansdale moves further into the 21st century, it continues to balance progress with preservation. Plans for new buildings are shaped by a commitment to green spaces and walkability. The neighborhood’s history isn’t just preserved in books, but lived every day in its streets, institutions, and community gatherings.
For those who call Evansdale home, and for curious visitors alike, there’s much to discover here: the blend of old and new, the strength of neighborly bonds, and a heritage as rich as the West Virginia hills themselves.