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The Maritime Heritage of Southport
Southport Yacht Club
Where Kenosha's Story Meets Lake Michigan
"Our history is written on the waters of Lake Michigan. The Southport Yacht Club proudly carries that tradition into the future."
Origins
Welcome to Southport
Before there was a City of Kenosha, there was Southport.
Founded in 1837, Southport earned its name because it was the southernmost natural harbor in the Wisconsin Territory. As settlers arrived, the harbor quickly became one of Lake Michigan's busiest ports, welcoming schooners, steamships, fishing vessels, and commercial cargo from Chicago, Milwaukee, and beyond.
Every community along the Great Lakes has a story.
Kenosha's story begins with the harbor.
Landmark
The Lighthouse That Welcomed Wisconsin
The Southport Lighthouse is more than Kenosha's most recognizable landmark.
For forty years it served as the first navigational light mariners saw when entering Wisconsin from Chicago.
Constructed from Milwaukee Cream City brick, the 55-foot lighthouse stood watch over countless vessels carrying grain, lumber, coal, manufactured goods, and passengers.
The first government lighthouse was built in 1848, followed by a replacement in 1858. The current lighthouse, constructed in 1866, is the third to stand on Simmons Island.
Today the lighthouse remains a symbol of safety, guidance, and community — values that continue to inspire Southport Yacht Club.
Beneath the Surface
Shipwrecks Off Our Shore
Lake Michigan is beautiful — but unforgiving.
More than 40 documented shipwrecks lie beneath the waters near Kenosha.
Storms, fog, ice, and hidden shoals challenged Great Lakes captains for generations. Many of these stories are preserved today at the Southport Light Station Museum.
Present Day
The Southport Marina Today
Commercial freighters have largely given way to:
Although today's harbor serves a different purpose, it remains the heart of Kenosha's connection to Lake Michigan.
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Commerce
A Working Harbor
For nearly a century, Kenosha's harbor was filled with activity. The harbor supported:
Companies including Nash Motors, Simmons Company, Allen Tannery, American Brass, and Peter Pirsch relied upon the harbor to move people and products throughout the Great Lakes.
Our Mission
The Birth of Southport Yacht Club
The Southport Yacht Club was founded to continue the traditions that have defined this harbor for nearly two centuries.
Our club celebrates safe boating, seamanship, fellowship, community service, family traditions, respect for Lake Michigan, and preservation of Kenosha's maritime heritage.
We honor the captains, lighthouse keepers, fishermen, Coast Guard crews, and generations of boaters who came before us.
Their harbor is now our home.
Fun Facts
Did You Know?
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The very first "lighthouse" in Southport was simply an oak tree stump with a fire burning on top.
Lorinda Merrill became Kenosha's first and only female lighthouse keeper in 1871 after the death of her husband.
On clear days, the Southport Lighthouse offers views into Wisconsin, Illinois, and across Lake Michigan toward the Chicago skyline.
The lighthouse tower contains 72 steps leading to the lantern room.