The Early History of Racine
Aproximately 1000 BC the Woodland Mound Builders used the area along the bluffs of Root River in present day Racine as a ceremonial meeting place and a sacred burying ground. They constructed both conical and animal effigy mounds which are visible to this day.
Led by Jonathan Paradise, a group of French explorers entered the mouth of Root River in canoes on October 10, 1699 and founded a trading post. Over time, the trading post became a small settlement on Lake Michigan near where the Root River empties into Lake Michigan.
Following the Blackhawk War of 1832 which took place in the parts of Illinois, Iowa and the Michigan territory (present day Wisconsin), the Racine area began to be settled by Yankees from upstate New York.
Lake boat Captain Glibert Knapp, founded the settlement of Port Gilbert in 1834 where the Root River empties into Lake Michigan.
In 1841 the community was officially incorporated as the village of Racine. After Wisconsin's statehood was granted in 1848, the new legislature voted 0n August 8th to incorporate Racine as a city.
Racine was well known for its strong opposition to slavery prior to the American Civil War. Many slaves escaped to freedom along the Underground Railroad passing through the city. Joshua Glover, an escaped slave who had made a home in Racine in 1854. He was arrested by federal marshals and jailed in Milwaukee. One hundred men from Racine and up to a total of 5,000 from all parts of Wisconsin rallied and broke into the jail to free him. He was able to escape to Canada. The rescue of Glover gave rise to many legal complications and much litigation. Eventually this led to the Wisconsin Supreme Court declaring the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 unconstitutional.
Racine, WI: The Belle City of the [Great] Lakes. Information for visitors and residents alike. Located between Milwaukee and Chicago on the beautiful shores of the great Lake Michigan, Racine has much to offer.
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