History & Culture

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An early group of American Indians originally named Kenosha Mas-ke-no-zha which means "place of the Pike". In 1836, after more settlers arrived and the first post office was established, it was renamed to Pike Creek. In the ensuing years, the area became an important Great Lakes shipping port and the village was once again renamed — to Southport. In 1850, one last change gave Kenosha its current title, a modernized version of the early Mas-ke-no-zha, and the name for which the county is also named.

The transportation industry developed much of the area's great economic resources. Kenosha has been the home to many well-known automotive industry leaders such as Nash Motor Company, American Motors Company and DaimlerChrysler Corporation. Other industry giants that make the Kenosha Area their home include Snap-on, Ocean Spray, G.LeBlanc Corporation, Jelly Belly Candy Co. and Jockey International.

The Kenosha Area is filled with interesting and unique historical places, including the United States' oldest operating velodrome (bicycle racing track). Weekly races are still held there in the summer months, drawing crowds from near and far. Kenosha is also one of only three Wisconsin cities to have more than one National Register Historic District. Visit Kenosha's four historic areas — including the Civic Center Historic District, Library Park Historic District, Third Avenue Historic District and the Pearl Street Historic District — as well as two Historic Lighthouses.

The Kenosha Area also boasts a number of famous names and faces who are from our community. What do The Odd Couple, Happy Days and On.Cor frozen dinner commercials have in common? Well, Al Molinaro of course! Al is a proud native of Kenosha and says that he loves the area's culture and friendliness. Two-time Emmy winner Daniel J. Travanti of Hill Street Blues fame is also from Kenosha, as were Cocoon's Don Ameche and War of the Worlds radio broadcast creator Orson Welles.

Click here for more information about the area's history and museums

Click here for online walking tour guides of the historic districts