Gilbert Knapp

Gilbert G. Knapp (December 3, 1798 – July 31, 1887) was an American sailor and land speculator. He was the founder of Racine, Wisconsin, and was instrumental in establishing the city and county of Racine. For many years before and after the establishment of Racine, he was a captain in the United States Revenue Cutter Service, commanding several ships in the Great Lakes.

Early life Knapp was born on December 3, 1798, in Chatham, Massachusetts. His father, John Knapp, was a soldier in the American Revolutionary War, and, after the war, captained a merchant ship and engaged in trade to European ports. As a young man, Gilbert Knapp studied the science of navigation, and, at age 13, joined the crew Captain Childs, his uncle by marriage, sailing to Canada and Spain.

War of 1812 and Cutter Service

At the outbreak of the War of 1812, he joined the crew of the Leo, a privateer commanded by Captain Besonne, under contract to the United States to run dispatches to France. Their mission involved running the British blockade of French ports and avoiding capture from British men-of-war. They ultimately made three successful voyages, surviving several engagements with British navy and privateers. He retired in 1874 and spent the remainder of his life in Racine. The Gilbert Knapp Elementary School, at 2701 17th Street, is named for him, and contains a plaque memorializing him.