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

A Storied Homestead

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 7, 2008

1. A Storied Homestead Marker

Inscription. Here, Francois Navarre, first white settler in Monroe, built his home. His 500 acre farm, acquired by deed from the Indians in 1785, afforded a center for the River Raisin colony, by 1790 an important frontier community.

Col. Navarre was friend and host to many. As leader of the French colony, he was the liaison between the settlers and the American Government officials during the critical years before the British were finally ousted from the Northwest Territory. He escorted the advance military party sent to Detroit by General Hamtramck to arrange for the U.S. occupation in 1796.

General Winchester made the Navarre house his headquarters before the disastrous Battle of the River Raisin in 1813 in which Winchester was taken prisoner.

Dr. Isaac Sawyer built the present structure in 1872-3. It in turn became a center of hospitality and culture, remaining in possession of Miss Jenny Toll Sawyer until deeded by her to the city, August 23, 1938.

Erected by The Monroe County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War of 1812. A significant historical year for this entry is 1785.

Location. 41° 54.912′ N, 83° 23.568′ W. Marker is in Monroe, Michigan, in Monroe

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County. Marker is on East Front Street, 0 miles east of Scott Street, on the right when traveling east. This historical marker is located just outside of, and to the east of, downtown Monroe, on the south side of the River Raisin. The street that this marker is located on, East Front Street, runs alongside the southern bank of the River Raisin. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 364 East Front Street, Monroe MI 48161, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Col. Francis Navarre (here, next to this marker); American Legion World War I Monument (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); United States of America Wars and Conflicts (about 800 feet away); MBT Enlist (about 800 feet away); Joseph R. Smith Post No. 76 G.A.R. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Monroe Bank and Trust (approx. 0.2 miles away); Monroe County and the Civil War / Grand Army of the Republic (approx. 0.2 miles away); Norman Jonathan Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monroe.

Also see . . .
1. Battle of Frenchtown. (Submitted on July 19, 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 19, 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 Battlefield."

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 16, 2009

2. A Storied Homestead Marker

View of the historical marker in the left foreground and the sign for the "Sawyer Homestead" in the near right background.

(Submitted on July 19, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

4. James Winchester. (Submitted on July 19, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

A Storied Homestead image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 16, 2009

3. A Storied Homestead

A view of both the historical marker and the "Storied Homestead."

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 16, 2009

4. A Storied Homestead Marker

View of both the "Storied Homestead" historical marker (on the left) and the large rock with the "Col. Francis Navarre" marker affixed to it (on the right).

Sawyer House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, March 31, 2021

5. Sawyer House

House is flying American, Michigan, and City of Monroe flags

Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,832 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 19, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 5. submitted on March 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.