Michigan

For Photos River Raisin National Battlefield Park Click Here

 

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!”

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:

Video Dedication of River Raisian Battlefield Park Click Here

 

Video History Massacre River Raisin

 

The Story of the Battles of Frenchtown in January 1813 that occurred on the banks of the River Raisin near present day Monroe, Michigan that led to the battle cry "Remember the Raisin". A film by the Monroe County Michigan Library System. 1977. Funding for the project provided by the Herman and Irene Gertz Foundation and the La-Z-Boy Chair Foundation. Photography by Robert Ensign, Jody Vollrath. Production/Direction by Jody Vollrath. Narrated by : Roy E Hamlin, Morton Miller, William D. Smith