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

Battles of the River Raisin

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 7, 2008

1. Battles of the River Raisin Marker

View of the side of the historical marker facing the south.

Inscription. [Marker side facing south]

Describing the American victory of January 18, 1813, Capt. John McCalla of the 5th Kentucky, wrote: "I have seen the enemy, and I have seen him defeated. I have seen my fellow soldiers extended lifeless bloody corpses on the ground, and many others groaning in agony from dangerous wounds. I have heard balls whistling as thick as the pattering hail around me, yet have not been touched even in my clothes. I can only say of the engagement, that our movements were continually advancing, generally in a run. Once the right wing halted for a movement of the left, but only for a short time. Our situation at present is an enviable one, compared to our past. Plenty of apples, cider, butter, etc., in abundance. The inhabitants are numerous and very friendly. Several took arms and fought valiantly at our sides."

[Marker side facing north]

John Richardson, Gentleman Volunteer, 41st Regiment Of Foot described the second battle of the River Raisin from the point of view of the victorious British: "On the 22nd, before daybreak, came within sight of the enemy...Such was their security and negligence that....our line was actually half formed within musket shot of their defenses before they were aware even of our presence.

When we came to the firing part of the business,

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I could not get my gun off. It flashed in the pan, and I procured a wire and worked away at it with that. I tried it again and again it flashed. I never was so vexed to think that I was exposed to the torrent of fire from the enemy without having the power to return a single shot....though if I had fired 50 rounds not one of them would have had any effect, except upon the pickets...."

Erected by Monroe County Historical Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Battlefield Trails - War of 1812 series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 18, 1898.

Location. 41° 54.695′ N, 83° 22.586′ 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 East Elm Street, Monroe MI 48162, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 16, 2009

2. Battles of the River Raisin Marker

View of the side of the historical marker facing the north.

distance of this marker. Battle of the River Raisin Memorial Bench (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Battle of the River Raisin Memorial Bench (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Battle of the River Raisin Memorial Bench (a few steps from this marker); Artillery (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); U.S. 17th Infantry Campsite (within shouting distance of this marker); The 2nd Battle of the River Raisin (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monroe.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Also see . . .
1. Battle of Frenchtown. Absolute Astronomy website entry (Submitted on July 19, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

2. River Raisin National Battlefield Park. Friends of River Raisin National Battlefield Park website homepage (Submitted on July 18, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 7, 2008

3. Battles of the River Raisin Marker

View of the historical marker in the left foreground and another marker and replica artillery piece mounted on a sled (believed to be of the type used by the British) in the background.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 16, 2009

4. Battles of the River Raisin Marker

View of the historical marker in the left foreground and a view of a portion of the River Raisin Battlefield Park in the background.

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

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 16, 2009

5. River Raisin Battlefield Visitor Center

Behind the Visitor Center is where a number of historical markers are located, including the marker for the Battles of the River Raisin.

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 1,913 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 19, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.