Belle City | Racine History

Why is Racine’s nickname “The Belle City”? French for “beautiful,” this description started very early in Racine’s history.

Forty young men signed up to join the “Belle City Rifles,” the first company to leave Racine for the war.
The Civil War Cripples the Town, Racine The Belle City, by Alice Sankey. This would have been on April 14, 1861.

Another Launch -- The Belle City a new Schooner of 175 tons was Launched on Saturday afternoon from the yard of Capt. Bailey. She is owned by Capt. Gossick who is to command her, and Rober Case Esq., and is designed for the Lumber trade. — From the Racine Advocate, January 5, 1853. Much earlier than the Civil War reference.