River Raisin Battlefield was the site of the largest engagements of the War of 1812. Fought on the banks of the River Raisin here in Monroe Michigan formally know as Frenchtown.



Participant
Registration

On Line Store / Photo Gallery

Introduction

Setting The Stage
The War Of 1812

The Battles
at Frenchtown

Soldiers Fare

Lacroixs Company
1812 History

Lacroix's Company
Today - Membership

Soldiers Uniforms
Clothing of the Period

Artillery and Weapons
of the River Raisin Battle

River Raisin Battlefield
Visitors Center

Friends Of the
River Raisin Battlefield

History Links

Area Events

Biographies of Battle
Participants

Friends of the River Raisin Battlefield

We are a group of  imaginative people who like to create fun in many forms. We do this in conjunction with helping history come alive and interactive experiences at the River Raisin Battlefield Visitors Center.
Click Here To Learn More

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RIVER RAISIN BATTLEFIELD

OUR NATION'S "NEWEST" NATIONAL PARK

Great American Rallying Cry:
"Remember The Raisin"

The brownish waters of the River Raisin flow sometimes peacefully, sometimes violently, over the flood control dams in downtown Monroe, Michigan, formerly known as Frenchtown, and continue on until they mix with the green waves of Lake Erie. Looking at the homes, businesses, and industries crowded along the river's banks, there is little to suggest that this place was once the central point of a terrible struggle between rival nations...

However, from January 18th to January 23rd, 1813, the north bank of the River Raisin became a battleground where the forces of the United States and Great Britain fought each other for the control of all of Michigan and the Lower Great Lakes.  At stake was the destiny not only of the 2 countries (United State and Great Britain), but also the future of Frenchtown, (known today as Monroe Michigan) and of Canada, and of Tecumseh's alliance of Native-American tribes. 

The British and Indian victory at the River Raisin destroyed an entire American army and upset their campaign to recapture Detroit, which had fallen to the enemy early in the war.  It raised Native-American hopes that their alliance with the British would result in the preservation of their lands, while it brought grief to hundreds of families in Kentucky who had lost their sons during the bloody battle and its aftermath.

While not a decisive turning point of the war, the Battle of the River Raisin had a significant effect on the campaign for the Great Lakes.  It would take a full 9 months for U.S. forces to regain their momentum.  In the meantime, Frenchtown was laid waste, and the Ohio frontier was exposed to invasion and raids by the British and Indians.

Out of the battle of the River Raisin, came one of the great American rallying cries of the War of 1812,
“Remember the Raisin!”

Map of the Old Northwest Territory: Site of the River Raisin Massacre on January 18 1813.

River Raisin National Battlefield Park

Visitor Center

1403 East Elm Avenue

Monroe, Michigan

 

In October, 2010, the River Raisin Battlefield

became a part of the National Park System.

Check out the youtube video highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp2cZIqokaU&feature=share 

Remember The Raisin!
Jan 19, 2019

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

 

 

Hours
Open 7 days 9am - 5pm
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years Days.

NEW - Visit Our
On Line
Store and Photo Gallery

NEW from the former Director - Monroe County Hostorical Museum

Most in depth Study of the Battle of the River Raisin,
War of 1812
LEARN MORE!

 

River Raisin Battlefield Visitors Center and Museum

1403 East Elm Ave
Monroe, MI 48162
Driving Directions

The River Raisin Battlefield was the site of one of largest engagements during the War of 1812. The battle on January 22, and the massacre on January 23, 1813 was fought here in Monroe Michigan (formally Frenchtown) on the northern shore of the River Raisin. Of 934 Americans who fought here, only 33 escaped death or capture.  The massacre of wounded soldiers the following day shocked and enraged Americans throughout the Old Northwest Territory and "Remember The Raisin" became the battle cry for the War of 1812. 

The displays include dioramas & full-size British & American soldiers, as well as a fiber-optic map presentation on the Battle of the River Raisin.   

 

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