Racine

Racine, Wisconsin, is a city located on the western shore of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Root River, approximately 22 miles south of Milwaukee and 60 miles north of Chicago. As the county seat of Racine County, it is part of the Racine metropolitan area. Racine is known for its industrial heritage and is home to several major companies. The city had a population of approximately 77,816 in 2020, making it the fifth-largest city in Wisconsin. Racine's economy has historically been driven by manufacturing, with key industries including heavy equipment, cleaning and chemical products, and heat exchangers. Major employers headquartered in Racine include Case IH, Dremel, InSinkErator, Modine Manufacturing, Reliance Controls, and S. C. Johnson & Son. The city's harbor played a significant role in Wisconsin's shipping industry in the late 19th century, and it was also an early center for automobile manufacturing. Racine is distinctive for its blend of industrial history, architectural landmarks, and cultural contributions. The city is the birthplace of malted milk and the garbage disposal. The S.C. Johnson & Son headquarters and Wingspread Conference Center, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, are architectural highlights. Racine was also a stop on the Underground Railroad before the Civil War, demonstrating its historical significance in the abolitionist movement.