Racine is a city of about 82,000 sitting on the banks of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Root River, and is about thirty miles south of Milwaukee and sixty miles south of Chicago, Illinois. Racine has hot and humid summers and an average snowfall of 43 inches. Racine, Wisconsin is comprised of several neighborhoods, each with its own personality. People thinking of moving to Racine will no doubt find exactly what they are looking for.
Economy:
Racine has a slightly lower median income than the rest of the state. The cost of living index is slightly lower than the national average. Racine has a current unemployment rate of 8.5%. There is a substantial industry base there, but recently, the city has been working on establishing itself as a tourist attraction. SC Johnson, founded in Racine and is its biggest employer. In-Sink-Erator is also a major employer.
History:
In 1699, some French explorers arrived in the area and started a trading post near the mouth of the Root River. It became a small settlement, mostly for fur traders. In 1832 an influx of people from New York came and settled there. In 1841, the city of Racine was incorporated. Before the Civil War, Racine was strongly anti-slavery and was a stop on the Underground Railroad for escaped slaves. The population increased greatly from then until the First World War. Factories became the main industry in Racine, and one of the world's first automobiles was built there in 1872. Racine maintained its industrial base until recently, when the city began to promote itself as a tourist attraction.
Tourism:
Wind Point Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on Lake Michigan and was built in the 1880s. The 7 Mile Fair is an indoor/outdoor market operating year round. The Wustum Museum and gardens date from 1860. Tours are available through the Johnson Wax building, built by Frank Lloyd Wright. Monument Square is the center of Racine activities, with many outdoor concerts and a WinterFest. Mound Cemetery is 14 American Indian burial mounds, open to the public year round. Quarry State Park is an ideal spot for swimming and scuba diving. The Racine Heritage Museum was funded by Andrew Carnegie. River Bend Nature Center has 80 acres of woodlands, trails and exhibits. There are walking tours of Racine held year round. There are several nice golf courses there. Racine has a zoo and some beautiful zoological gardens.