John Evans (Colorado governor)
1814 AD - 1897 AD

2nd Governor of the Territory of Colorado 1862 – 1865

Evans was forced to resign the governorship in 1865 for his role in instigating the Sand Creek massacre, one of the worst massacres of Native Americans in U.S. history.

Legacy

• He is the namesake of Evanston, IL
• In World War II, the United States liberty ship SS John Evans was named in his honor.
• Mount Evans is named in Evans honor, and Mount Elbert is named in honor of his son-in-law.

During the 21st century, Evans's legacy came under renewed scrutiny for his beliefs regarding Native Americans. Colorado State Historian David Halaas said, "When it came to Indians, Evans believed they didn’t have souls, that they were heathen savages, they were infernal—all words that he used to describe Indian people."

• Spouse
• H
  Hannah Canby (1813–1850)

  12/1838 AD
No children in database