p. 255

265 Racine County

Southport is situated on the lake shore thirty five miles from Milwaukee and fifty five from Chicago in Illinois. It is the most southern place in Wisconsin at which it is supposed a harbor can be built- hence its name. It was commenced in 1836 and was incorporated in 1841. The population is now estimated at but little less than two thousand, having partaken largely of the increase of population within the last few years as [its population] in 1840 it was only 337.

For the accomodation of the commercial business of this place, a pier was constructed in 1841 consisting of a plankway or bridge resting on piles driven into the bottom of the lake. This kind of improvement was first suggested by Mr. P.B. Cahoon of Southport, and has since been adopted with much advantage at Milwaukee and Manitowoc. The pier extends sufficiently far into the lake to be approached by the largest vessels, and the plankway is elevated sufficiently above the water to be free from any danger on account