The History
of Pleasant Prairie
Since becoming an official village in 1989 (and even as far back as it's original roots to 1842), Pleasant Prairie has been committed to creating a community that's as welcoming as it is beautiful. True to its name, the Village blends a rich history, a strong sense of community, and a natural charm that makes it a special place to live, work, and visit.
The commitment to preserving the area's natural charm runs deep in the community's roots. Today, more than 20% of Pleasant Prairie’s land is protected because of its environmental and historical importance. And it shows! Even many of our industrial areas have that signature “Prairie” feel. Keep reading to learn more about the notable people and places of Pleasant Prairie's rich history.
Native American Life
Pleasant Prairie and along the western shore of Lake Michigan was once home to several Native American groups, including the Oneota, Miami, Sauk, Meskwaki, and Potawatomi. The Potawatomi traveled between villages using trails that followed natural features like beach ridges and moraines. One of those routes, known as the Jambeau Trail, can still be found near Green Bay Road in Momper’s Woods.
Jambeau trail
Momper’s Woods is home to the Jambeau Trail. Formed by receding ice of the last ice age, the Jambeau Trail, which extends from Chicago to Green Bay, WI, likely had its beginning as a prehistoric path along a glacial moraine. Animals such as deer and elk would have first traversed this historic trail, followed by Native Americans, and later still in the 1800s, early settlers. A plaque on a large glacial boulder, which was unearthed in the early 1990s as a result of the widening of Green Bay Road, marks the trail.
Train Line / Milk Train
In the mid-1800s, Pleasant Prairie was a stop on the Chicago Northwestern rail line and several other train routes. The arrival of the railroad played a key role in shifting local agriculture from wheat to dairy, as trains made it possible to transport milk longer distances without spoiling. By 1870, Bain Station in Pleasant Prairie had become a hub for the "Milk Express Train," which left each morning with fresh milk bound for Chicago and returned later in the day with empty cans.
Horse races at ideal park
Pleasant Prairie was once home to its very own horse racing track! The Ideal Race Track, a mile-long course, was located along 88th Avenue just south of 122nd Street. It gave the area quite a reputation as a hotspot for gamblers... which didn’t go unnoticed. In fact, the track played a role in prompting the Wisconsin Legislature to ban race track gambling statewide in 1897.
Gun Powder Mill Explosion
On March 9, 1911, a massive explosion at the DuPont blasting powder plant in Pleasant Prairie leveled the Village and nearby Bristol. The blast was caused by 300 tons of dynamite and black powder and left a 100-foot-deep crater, flattened buildings within five miles, and was felt as far as 130 miles away. Though the plant was closed at the time, four people died, and hundreds were injured.
The Keno Family Drive-In
The Keno Family Drive-In opened on May 18, 1949, with a showing of The Time, the Place and the Girl. With space for 850 cars, it originally operated as a second-run theater under the Standard Theaters Management Corp. chain. The Keno held the title of Wisconsin’s oldest operating drive-in theater until it closed at the end of the 2014 season and was demolished in February 2016.
Learn more about the history of Pleasant Prairie by visiting the Pleasant Prairie Welcome Center to purchase our custom-designed map, or visit the Pleasant Prairie History Museum to see the latest exhibits.
People Of Pleasant Prairie
Pleasant Prairie has always been shaped by the people who call it home. From the earliest settlers who arrived in the village in 1834 to present-day residents, generations of passionate and hardworking individuals have come together to create a strong, welcoming community. Their stories, talents, and contributions both big and small continue to define what makes Pleasant Prairie such a special place.
Emily Derbyshire
Pleasant Prairie’s story begins back in 1835, when the first settlers made their way to the area. Among this group of settlers was Emily T. Derbyshire, who is credited with naming the community "Pleasant Prairie."
Joe Louis
In the 1930s, Heavyweight boxer Joe Louis established his boxing training camps in Kenosha County, where he would train at the Ham Fisher Mansion in the Carol Beach neighborhood of Pleasant Prairie, after being denied accommodations elsewhere due to racial discrimination.
Joyce Hill Westerman
Joyce Hill Westerman, who grew up on a farm in Pleasant Prairie and graduated from Bradford High School, made her mark as a catcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, playing for teams like the Grand Rapids Chicks, Racine Belles, and South Bend Blue Sox.
Moving Towards the Future
As Pleasant Prairie continues to thrive, the Village has dedicated itself to providing housing options that meet the diverse needs of citizens, as well as providing transportation options that include pathways for pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles. Investment in preserving natural land is also a priority in this Village. In coordination with Kenosha County, the state of Wisconsin, and the Army Corps of Engineers, land is being acquired for the sake of prairie land conservation.
