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

Skirmish Line

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 7, 2008

1. Skirmish Line Marker

Inscription. In this vicinity and parallel to the driveway, a line of scattered human remains were detected in 2000, which may mark the main skirmish line of the 17th U.S. Infantry. The bodies of those killed lay exposed to the elements for some time after the battle. Eventually, the scattered remains were gathered up and buried at several sites, including Memorial Place on South Monroe Street, where the Kentucky Monument is located. In the 1830's, bodies were removed to military cemeteries in Detroit and Frankfort, Kentucky. Nine counties in Kentucky are named after men who fought at the River Raisin, 8 of whom died here. They are Allen, Ballard, Graves, Edmonson, Hart, Hickman, McCracken, Meade, and Simpson.

Erected by Monroe County Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War of 1812. A significant historical year for this entry is 2000.

Location. 41° 54.687′ N, 83° 22.516′ W. Marker is in Monroe, Michigan, in Monroe County. Marker can be reached from East Elm Street, 0.1 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

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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 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. Battle of the River Raisin Memorial Bench (within shouting distance of this marker); Roundhead (within shouting distance of this marker); After the Battle (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. 17th Infantry Campsite (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of the River Raisin Memorial Bench (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Battle of the River Raisin Memorial Bench (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Battle of the River Raisin Memorial Bench (about 300 feet away); Battles of the River Raisin (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monroe.

Also see . . .
1. Battle of Frenchtown. (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.)

3. Battle of Frenchtown. This web link is published and made available by "Friends of the River Raisin

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 16, 2009

2. Skirmish Line Marker

View of historical marker in the left foreground and a view, looking to the north, of where the U.S. 17th Infantry was encamped (probably just beyond the rail fence) and where the British launched their surprise counterattack (probably from the area of the trees beyond the open field).

Battlefield." (Submitted on July 18, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 16, 2009

3. Skirmish Line Marker

View of the historical marker (seen in the distant center of picture) and the probable skirmish line set up by the U.S. 17th Infantry to resist their attackers, probably stretching out in the area between the sidewalk and the driveway.

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 Skirmish Line.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,422 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 18, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.