Memorial Hall

72 7th St., Racine, WI
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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The University of Wisconsin-Madison is the oldest and largest public university in the state, and is often referred to as the "Harvard of the Midwest." It was founded in 1848, just two months after Wisconsin became a state.
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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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