Racine County, Wisconsin

Badger Building Beardsley, Elam, Farmhouse Burlington Cemetery Chapel Burlington Community Swimming Pools and Bathhouse Burlington Downtown Historic District Collins, John, House Cooley, Eli R., House Driver, Thomas, and Sons Manufacturing Company First Presbyterian Church Gold Medal Camp Furniture Company Hall, Chauncey, Building Hall, Chauncey, House Hansen House Hardy, Thomas P., House Hazelo, Franklyn, House Historic Sixth Street Business District Horlick Malted Milk Company Industrial Complex Johnson, Herbert F., House Johnson, Peter, House Johnson, S.C., and Son Administration Building and Research Tower Jonas, Karel, House Kaiser's Kane Street Historic District KATE KELLY (Shipwreck) Lincoln School McClurg Building Melvin Avenue Residential Historic District Memorial Hall Mitchell Lewis Building Murray, George, House No. 4 Engine House Northside Historic District of Cream Brick Workers' Cottages Norwegian Buildings at Heg Park Old Main Street Historic District Orchard Street Historic District Racine College Racine County Courthouse Racine Depot Racine Elks Club, Lodge No. 252 Racine Harbor Lighthouse and Life Saving Station Racine Public Library Racine Rubber Company Homes Historic District Rickeman Grocery Building Shoop Building Southern Wisconsin Home Historic District Southside Historic District St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Chapel, Guildhall, and Rectory St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church United Laymen Bible Student Tabernacle Uptown Theater US Post Office-Racine Main Walker Manufacturing Company-Ajax Plant Whitman-Belden House Wilmanor Apartments Windpoint Light Station Yorkville #4 School Young Men's Christian Association Building

Racine County, located in southeastern Wisconsin, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Menominee, and Ho-Chunk peoples who utilized the land for hunting and farming. European exploration of the region began in the late 17th century when French traders arrived in search of furs.

The county's history took a significant turn in the early 19th century with the arrival of settlers from the east. Industry quickly took root as lakefront villages like Racine and Burlington grew into thriving manufacturing centers, fueled by abundant natural resources and access to waterways. Agriculture also played a crucial role, with the fertile soil supporting a strong farming community.

In 1834, Racine County was officially established, named after the French word for "root" due to the area's fertile soil. The county's growth skyrocketed with the advent of the railroad in the mid-19th century, connecting Racine County to larger markets and attracting more industries. Innovation and entrepreneurial spirit flourished, and Racine County became known for producing diverse goods, including furniture, woolen goods, and machinery.

Throughout the 20th century, Racine County continued to evolve. It experienced ups and downs with economic recessions and industrial shifts. The county's manufacturing sector remained vital, but diversified into new industries such as automotive parts, food processing, and healthcare. Today, Racine County is a vibrant community with a strong economy, diverse cultural heritage, and a commitment to growth and sustainability. It boasts a rich history that continues to shape its present and future.
Brief timeline of the history of Racine County, Wisconsin:

  • 1834 - Racine County is officially established and organized
  • 1837 - The City of Racine is incorporated
  • 1848 - The Racine County Courthouse is constructed
  • 1852 - The Racine and Mississippi Railroad connects Racine to the Mississippi River
  • 1854 - The first public school opens in Racine County
  • 1860 - The Village of Burlington becomes the county seat
  • 1878 - The first public library opens in Racine
  • 1880 - The first electric streetcars begin operating in Racine
  • 1913 - The Racine County Infirmary (Racine Manor Nursing Home) is established
  • 1942 - The Belle City Malleable Iron Company (later known as J.I. Case) opens in Racine
  • 1959 - The Racine County Historical Society is founded
  • 1973 - Racine County's first landfill opens in Caledonia
  • 1999 - Racine County's first casino, the Potawatomi Bingo Casino, opens

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Racine County, Wisconsin.