2019 Battles Of The River Raisin Reenactment
Don’t miss excitement at the 205th Commemoration of the Battles Of The River Raisin Reenactment in Monroe, Michigan on January 19, 2019. Join the many participants from Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Canada, along with Native Americans and residents of Monroe Michigan as we remember this bloody battle and massacre that took place on January 22-23, 1813.
The commemoration is held on the very ground along the River Raisin where hundreds of lives were lost in a struggle for freedom and sovereignty during the early years of the United States.
Battles Of The River Raisin Reenactment
Battle of Frenchtown (AKA The Battle of the River Raisin)
The Battle of Frenchtown (Battle of the River Raisin in Monroe Michigan) was the largest battle fought on Michigan soil. This battle was a major defeat for the Americans and was one of the bloodiest engagements during the War of 1812. The massacre of some wounded solders the following day shocked and enraged Americans throughout the Old Northwest Territory. This incident soon became known as “The River Raisin Massacre” and the rallying cry was “Remember the Raisin”.
Anniversary Memorial Service Commemorates The Battles of the River Raisin
Each January, on the anniversary date of the battles, a memorial service is held on the battlefield. This event commemorates the service of the Americans, French, British, Canadians, and Native Americans who fought at the River Raisin. During this service, uniformed living historians representing the soldiers of the War of 1812, place a wreath on the ground that was the scene of the heaviest fighting and fire ceremonial salutes in honor of those who fell here.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
Saturday
9:00 a.m. Presentation at the River Raisin National Park Education Center
11:00 a.m. Tactical Musket and Cannon Demonstration at Education Center
12:00 p.m. Remembrance Ceremony at Education Center
2:30 p.m. 1812 Program at the Monroe Historical Museum, 126 S. Monroe St
Noon Commemoration Ceremonies
River Raisin National Battlefield Park Visitor Center
1403 E. Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162
734-243-7136
LaCroix’s Company of Michigan Militia
The company was named after its Captain, Hubert Lacroix, reputedly the first man from the River Raisin settlement to volunteer for active duty in the War of 1812. Lacroix’s company of Volunteer Infantry of the Michigan militia was mustered into service on May 18, 1812. Their period of active duty lasted just 2 months and 30 days, until General Hull’s surrender of Detroit and all of Michigan Territory on August 16 of that same year.
Now, over two centuries after the War of 1812, Lacroix’s company of Michigan militia is once again on the march every year at the Battles of the River Raisin Reenactment. Sponsored and supported by the River Raisin Battlefield Visitor Center and the Friends of the River Raisin Battlefield, modern-day company members research and reproduce many aspects of the life and times of the original unit. The company now is made up of volunteers who are dedicated to preserving the living memory of our community’s past by recreating, as best we can, the clothing, activities, and skills of the early inhabitants of the historic River Raisin settlement. We have been named the official War of 1812 Bicentennial Re-enactment unit by both the City and County of Monroe, Michigan. Our members work closely with the staff of the Monroe County Historical Museum to support living history programs at the Navarre Anderson Trading Post and the River Raisin Battlefield Visitor Center.
More about LaCroix’s Company of Michigan Militia – and how to join.
Annual Battles of the River Raisin Reenactment Location
River Raisin National Battlefield Park
1403 East Elm Avenue
Monroe, Michigan 48162
More about River Raison Battlefield
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Battles Of The River Raisin Reenactment in Monroe, Michigan on the Saturday closest to the original date January 22-23, 1813.
Tags: Battles Of The River Raisin Reenactment, River Raisin Battle Reenactment, War of 1812 Reenactment