General Info
Kenosha County was originally inhabited by Indians and began as part of the Michigan Territory. The area was first settled in the 1830s as its proximity to Lake Michigan attracted many pioneers. Boundaries were organized in 1850 and the city of Kenosha was selected as the county seat. Agriculture dominated industry until the 1880s as manufacturing and trade began to take over. The development of the railroad sparked growth and by 1900 its population had reached 21,707. As transportation continued to improve, Kenosha County has continued to develop and grow. Today Kenosha County is home to approximately 165,382 residents.