Racine's Maritime Legacy: Crafting America's Backbone

RACINE, WI – Racine boasts an extensive and legendary maritime past. It evolved into the fifth busiest cargo hub on the Great Lakes and offered electric boats for ferrying passengers during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. A major contributor to trade on these lakes is its prominent shipbuilding facility.

In 1855, the inaugural vessel navigated into Racine’s port, with this maritime traffic reaching its zenith two decades thereafter. Initially, vessels constructed within Racine served as cargo schooners, facilitating commerce primarily between Milwaukee and Chicago. Various goods transported via these waters encompassed items such as iron ore, timber, coal, grains, wheat, and hemlock railway sleepers.

It began with a canoe.

In 1874, the Racine Hardware Manufacturing Company (RHMC) was established to produce various items. After five years, they started manufacturing canoes using a molded veneer construction technique This resulted in a patent being issued in 1881. The 14-foot canoe sparked an industry in Racine.

According to the Racine Yacht Club In 1891, a naval architect named Fred Martin joined RHMC and became the force that kept Racine’s boating sector united. Throughout his career, he created various watercraft ranging from canoes to racing boats, which helped broaden RHMC’s reach within the maritime market.

In 1893, the Columbian Exposition World’s Fair held in Chicago showcased numerous electric boats from RHMC. However, the firm quickly faced bankruptcy. Although it managed to stay operational for several additional years, it stopped producing canoes altogether.

S.C. Johnson bought a flooring business from the firm and utilized it as the foundation for his new venture.

Martin initiated the Racine Boat Manufacturing Company (RBMC) to address the gap left by RHMC and constructed numerous vessels ranging from canoes to steam-driven yachts. Among his designs was one particular ship, Valiant It was a racing cutter that brought attention to Racine’s boatyards. However, the yard was destroyed by fire in 1903, prompting RBMC to relocate to Muskegon, Michigan.

One year following its founding, Martin departed from RBMC to establish the Racine Yacht and Boat Works. This new venture primarily focused on producing smaller yachts and launch vessels. However, in 1899, the Racine Yacht and Boat Works encountered financial difficulties and ultimately shut down. Subsequently, Martin relocated to Waukegan, Illinois, where he resided until his death in 1903.

Once RBMC relocated to Michigan, several employees went back to Racine in 1906 and established the Racine Boat Company where they crafted an array of vessels such as power cruisers. The advent of automobiles caused the Racine Boat Club to shut down in 1928. Engaging in boat construction nurtured a deep appreciation for the lake and steered these individuals towards alternative maritime occupations.

Racine Yacht and Boat Club

In the early 1890s, Martin’s boats and Racine’s growing shipbuilding business ignited enthusiasm for water-based activities. This led to recreational races among boat owners, culminating in the inaugural Racine Yacht Club Cup in 1894. Crowds of thousands gathered along the shoreline to watch these events, causing membership at the club to swell well over forty members. The majority of participating boats were based on Martin’s innovative designs.

In 1894, yacht clubs from Racine, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Chicago established the Lake Michigan Yachting Association (LMYA). A number of races took place within Racine’s harbor, showcasing Valiant As a rival. Racine held LMYA regattas in 1936, 1949, and 1967. By 1915, the Racine club was renamed the Racine Motor Boat and Yacht Club.

Shipwrecks galore

The largest lake among these is Lake Michigan. shipwrecks Among the Great Lakes, numerous vessels have met their demise, sinking or vanishing without ever being discovered again. In just Racine’s harbor, there are 40 such incidents, with two occurring within the Root River.

The Merchant A steam-powered screw-type merchant ship sank near Racine Reef in 1875. While departing from the harbor after dark, the propeller collided with the reef, leading to the vessel’s sinking in just 15 minutes. Since repairs were unfeasible, they opted for the ship to rest at the bottom of Lake Michigan, about 25 feet beneath the surface.

After the accident, the engine was recovered, and its anchor was raised and later donated to the Racine Heritage Museum , where it remains intact since.

Another renowned shipwreck was the Kate Kelly , a trading ship that went down in 1895. During a severe tempest, the captain along with six of his crew perished, and the wreckage location has turned into a favorite spot for novice divers. A marker buoy indicates the area. trail marker was positioned at Wind Point marking the location of the wreck.

Maritime tradition continues

Racine no longer constructs vessels nowadays, but the port still serves as a base for Racine Riverside Marine and The Boathouse of Racine , concentrating on yacht maintenance, storage facilities, and components.

Racine’s Harbor and the Racine Yacht Club Foster Lake activities and boating continue strong, more than nine decades since boat production ceased in Racine.

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Racine's maritime heritage: The vessels that shaped America It was initially published on May 2, 2025, at 8:00 am.

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