History of Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA

1854 - Kenosha
Kenosha, formerly Southport, a flourishing town of Southport township, capital of Kenosha county, Wisconsin, on the W. shore of Lake Michigan, 65 miles N. from Chicago, and 35 miles S. from Milwaukee. It is the most southern lake port in Wisconsin, and has a good harbor and piers. The town was commenced in 1836 ; in 1840 it had 337 inhabitants : since which date it has increased very rapidly. The adjacent country is a beautiful, fertile prairie, in which extensive improvements have been made. A plank- road about 20 miles long connects this place with Fox river, of Illinois, and railroads are in progress to Chicago, Milwaukee, and Rock river. The chief articles of export are wheat, flour, oats, pork, and wool. The town contains 1 bank and 3 newspaper offices. Population, in 1850, 3455; in 1853, about 6000.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - Kenosha
Kenosha, a city, capital of Kenosha co., Wis., is on Lake Michigan, 10 miles S. of Racine, 34 miles S. of Milwaukee, and 51 miles N. by W. of Chicago. It is connected with these cities by the Milwaukee division of the Chicago 3. Northwestern Railroad, and is the E. terminus of a rail road which extends to Rockford, Ill. It has a good harbor, extensive fisheries, and an active business in shipping wheat and other products. It contains a court-house, a high school, a national bank, 2 water-cures, varied and extensive manufactures, and printing-offices which issue 3 weekly newspapers. Pop. in 1880, 5039; in 1890, 6532.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Kenosha, a city, capital of Kenosha co.. Wis., it on Lake Michigan, 34 miles S. of Milwaukee, and on the Chicago and Northwestern R. It has a good harbor, extensive fisheries, and an active business in shipping. It has academic schools (Kemper Hall) and extensive manufactures of type- writers, metal-beds, wagons, automobile-lamps, organ-reeds, etc Pop. in 1890, 6532 ; in 1900, 11,606.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1928 - Teens Die at Rail Crossing
30 teens, mostly the children of Kenosha's Social elite. went on a scavenger hunt. There were a total of eight cars in the hunt. 3 of the cars met up at a railroad crossing on 12th avenue and 75th street . There was a freight train going northbound and they all stopped. As soon as the freight train passed, One car sped over the tracks okay but there was a passenger train going southbound that none of them saw. The train hit the next two cars and pushed them down the tracks about 100 feet. The cars were crushed. The dead included:
Ferrin Alford, 17
Lowell Smith, 16
Richard Hastings, 17
Alice Judd
Mary Slater, 18

All civic affairs were called off and private New Year parties were cancelled.
Kenosha Evening News
Kenosha, Wisconsin
December 31, 1928

1932 - Woman Killed, 23 Hurt as Electric Train Quits Track
By The Associated Press
KENOSHA, Wis., Aug. 20. - A Chicago woman was killed and 23 persons were injured when a north shore electric train left the rails and plowed into a field three miles south of here this afternoon.

A hundred passengers were thrown about in the careening cars. Those in the first car were hurled violently from floor to ceiling as it rolled into the field.

Mrs. E. W. Masden, 45, Chicago, was killed. She, and most of those injured, were riding in the first car.

C. Lichfield, Chicago, the motorman, could give no reason for the wreck nor could the conductor, H. L. Mead, Highland Park, Ill.
Abilene Morning Reporter-News
Abilene, Texas
August 21, 1932

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Kenosha:
Kenosha Public Museum:

Dive into Kenosha's history at this museum. It features exhibits on natural history, fine arts, decorative arts, and more. Best of all, it's free!

Kenosha HarborMarket:

If you're visiting on a Saturday, check out the Kenosha HarborMarket. It's a bustling farmers' market with fresh produce, artisan goods, and live music.

Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets:

For the shopaholics, this outlet mall offers a range of high-end brands at discounted prices.

Kenosha Sculpture Walk:

Take a stroll through downtown and appreciate the outdoor art scene. The Kenosha Sculpture Walk showcases various sculptures created by local and national artists.

Simmons Island Beach:

Relax on the shores of Lake Michigan at Simmons Island Beach. It's a great spot for picnics, beach volleyball, or just soaking up the sun.

Jerry Smith Produce and Pumpkin Farm:

If you're in town during the fall, this is a must-visit. Enjoy a fun day of pumpkin picking, hayrides, and ... Read MORE...