Monroe in Monroe County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

U.S. 17th Infantry Campsite

River Raisin Battlefield 1813

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 7, 2008

1. U.S. 17th Infantry Campsite Marker

Inscription. Elements of the U.S. 17th Infantry were camped in an open field just north of here when the British and Indians launched their surprise counterattack at dawn, January 22, 1813. The Americans held their ground here for 20 minutes before the Canadian militiamen with the British and Indians flanked them, forcing a retreat. Reinforcements arrived from the Kentucky militia camp to the west, but the American forces soon found themselves fleeing across the frozen river toward the old road to Ohio. Nearly 400 Americans were eventually swept into this retreat. Later, the British moved their cannon to this site, hoping to surround the Kentucky militia camp, which was still fighting courageously.

Erected by Monroe County Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. A significant historical date for this entry is January 22, 1813.

Location. 41° 54.703′ N, 83° 22.539′ W. Marker is in Monroe, Michigan, in Monroe County. Marker can be reached from East Elm Street, 0.2 miles north of Detroit Avenue. To view this historical marker exit Interstate 75 at Elm Street Monroe, Michigan exit on the north side of the River Raisin. Proceed west on East Elm Street for 0.5 mile and you should arrive at the River Raisin Battlefield Visitor Center, on

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your right (the north side of the road). This historical marker, along with several others, is located behind the visitor center in the parking lot area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1403 East Elm Street, Monroe MI 48162, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. After the Battle (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of the River Raisin Memorial Bench (within shouting distance of this marker); Skirmish Line (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of the River Raisin Memorial Bench (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of the River Raisin Memorial Bench (within shouting distance of this marker); Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Battles of the River Raisin (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of the River Raisin Memorial Bench (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monroe.

Also see . . .
1. Battle of Frenchtown. This web link was both published and made available by, "Absolute Astronomy.com," in it's quest to enable "exploring the universe of knowledge." (Submitted on July 18, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

2. Remember the River Raisin. This web link is published by "Michigan History Magazine." (Submitted on July 18, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 7, 2008

2. U.S. 17th Infantry Campsite Marker

View of the historical marker in the right foreground and a view looking north in the direction of the 17th Infantry campsite and in the direction of the British attack.

3. Battle of Frenchtown. This web link is published and made available by "Friends of the River Raisin Battlefield." (Submitted on July 18, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 16, 2009

3. U.S. 17th Infantry Campsite Marker

A view of the historical marker in the left foreground and a view of the right flank that was attacked by the Canadian militia and Indians, which in turn caused the 17th Infantry's defense of their position to collapse.

River Raisin Battlefield Visitor Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 16, 2009

4. River Raisin Battlefield Visitor Center

Behind the Visitor Center is where a number of historical markers are located, including the marker for the U.S. 17th Infantry Campsite.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,371 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 17, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 4. submitted on July 18, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.