Battle of Frenchtown
Monroe, Michigan, USA (River Raisin)
What happened
British troops under Henry Procter and Indigenous warriors led by Roundhead and Walk-in-the-Water fought American forces under James Winchester. During the War of 1812, the Americans wanted to retake Detroit. On 18 January 1813 American militia drove a British and Indigenous force out of Frenchtown, on the River Raisin. On 22 January the British and their allies attacked by surprise, and most of the Americans were captured.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the deadliest battle fought in Michigan and cost the Americans more men than any other single battle of the War of 1812. 'Remember the Raisin!' became a rallying cry.
What came next
The Americans built Fort Meigs. After the American naval win on Lake Erie that September, Procter had to leave Detroit.
Did you know?
River Raisin National Battlefield Park is the only National Battlefield Park that marks a War of 1812 site.
Timeline
- 18 January 1813Americans take Frenchtown.
- 22 January 1813British and Indigenous counterattack.
- September 1813American victory on Lake Erie.
- 30 March 2009Congress creates River Raisin National Battlefield Park.