A Small City with a Big Story
Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Kenosha, Wisconsin, might seem like just another Midwestern town at first glance. But beneath its quiet exterior lies a history that mirrors some of the most pressing issues in America today—racial tensions, labor struggles, political polarization, and the fight for justice. From its early days as a Native American trading post to its role in the 2020 protests, Kenosha’s past is a lens through which we can examine the larger American story.
From Indigenous Land to Industrial Powerhouse
The Original Inhabitants: The Potawatomi
Long before European settlers arrived, the land now known as Kenosha was home to the Potawatomi people. They called the area "Kenozia," meaning "place of the pike," a reference to the abundant fish in Lake Michigan. The Potawatomi lived off the land, trading with neighboring tribes and maintaining a deep spiritual connection to the region.
The Arrival of Settlers and the Birth of Kenosha
In the 1830s, white settlers began moving into the area, displacing the Potawatomi through treaties and forced removals. By 1836, the town of Southport was established, later renamed Kenosha in 1850. The city quickly grew into an industrial hub, thanks to its prime location on the lake and the rise of manufacturing in the Midwest.
The Rise of Industry: Cars, Brass, and Labor Movements
Kenosha became synonymous with American manufacturing. The Nash Motors Company (later American Motors Corporation) set up shop here, producing cars that would become household names. Meanwhile, the Simmons Bedding Company and other factories turned Kenosha into a blue-collar stronghold.
But with industry came labor strife. The early 20th century saw violent strikes as workers fought for fair wages and safer conditions. These battles foreshadowed the labor rights movements that would shape the nation.
Racial Tensions and Civil Rights
The Great Migration and a Changing Demographics
Like many Northern cities, Kenosha saw an influx of African Americans during the Great Migration (1916-1970). Black families came seeking jobs in factories, but they often faced housing discrimination and segregation. Redlining—a practice where banks denied loans to Black homebuyers in certain neighborhoods—shaped Kenosha’s racial geography for decades.
The 1960s: Civil Rights and Unrest
The 1960s brought both progress and pain. While civil rights activists pushed for equality, Kenosha, like much of America, was slow to change. Schools remained unofficially segregated, and Black residents were often shut out of economic opportunities.
The 2020 Protests: A Flashpoint for National Debate
Kenosha’s racial tensions erupted into the national spotlight in August 2020, after the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man. Protests—some peaceful, some violent—swept through the city. The unrest culminated in the shooting of three protesters, two fatally, by a teenage vigilante. The case became a political lightning rod, symbolizing America’s deep divides over race, policing, and gun rights.
Kenosha Today: A City at a Crossroads
Economic Shifts and the Decline of Manufacturing
The late 20th century hit Kenosha hard. Factories closed, jobs disappeared, and the city struggled to reinvent itself. Today, Kenosha is a mix of old industrial sites and new developments, with some residents thriving while others feel left behind.
Political Battles and the Fight for the Future
Kenosha has become a battleground in America’s culture wars. Debates over policing, education, and economic policy rage on, reflecting the national struggle over what kind of country America should be.
A Community Still Healing
The scars of 2020 are still fresh. Some residents call for reconciliation, while others demand systemic change. Kenosha’s story isn’t over—it’s still being written, one protest, one election, one conversation at a time.
Why Kenosha Matters
Kenosha isn’t just a small city in Wisconsin—it’s a microcosm of America itself. Its history of industry, migration, protest, and reinvention mirrors the broader struggles of the nation. As the U.S. grapples with racial justice, economic inequality, and political division, Kenosha serves as a reminder that these issues aren’t abstract—they play out in real lives, in real communities, every single day.