Monroe in Monroe County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Artillery
January 22, 1813
British Artillery on January 22nd consisted of six small cannons, mostly 3-pounders, with some small howitzers. The artillery pieces were first positioned about 400 yards north of here, just south of Mason Run Creek. These were used to good effect on the American Regulars in the open ground on this site. They did not seriously affect the Militia behind the puncheon fences to the west.
After the Regulars retreated from this site, one British gun was moved to about this position and opened fire on the Kentucky Militia to the west. Accurate Kentucky rifle fire at 200 yards soon wiped out the British gun crew and the cannon was temporarily abandoned, then withdrawn outside effective range.
The British light 3-pounder had a 2.9 inch bore and fired a 3-pound solid ball with a useful range of about half a mile. It could also fire cannister, which consisted of about 48 musket balls, which performed like a giant shotgun, but effective range was limited to 400 yards or less.
British artillery in North America used a variety of winter sled arrangements. The exact types used here are not recorded. This 3-pounder is mounted on a type of winter sled devised in 1796. The inventor was a well-known British artillerist, Adye, who was stationed briefly in Detroit in the early 1790's and later tested this winter gun sled design in Quebec.
Erected by Monroe County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1813.
Location. 41° 54.708′ N, 83° 22.583′ W. Marker is in Monroe, Michigan, in Monroe County. Marker can be reached from East Elm Street, 0.2 miles west 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 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 E Elm St, 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. Battle of the River Raisin Memorial Bench (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Battle of the River Raisin Memorial Bench (here, next to 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); U.S. 17th Infantry Campsite (within shouting distance of this marker); After the Battle (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of the River Raisin Memorial Bench (within shouting distance of this marker); The 2nd Battle of the River Raisin (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monroe.
Also see . . .
1. Battle of Frenchtown. Absolute Astronomy website entry (Submitted on July 19, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
2. Battle of Frenchtown. Friends of the River Raisin Battlefield website entry (Submitted on July 19, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
3. The War of 1812’s Forgotten Battle Cry - "Remember the Raisin"? You probably don’t. Smithsonian Magazine article, July 2012 (Submitted on July 18, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,307 times since then and 10 times this year. Last updated on March 28, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 19, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.