First question, how was it named? The River Raisin keeps the word “River” first because it comes from early French-Canadian’s: la rivière aux Raisins, which translates to “the river of grapes.”
The United States started the War of 1812 when President James Madison signed a declaration of war against Great Britain on June 18, 1812.
- Main Causes:
- The British navy captured American sailors and forced them to work on British ships.
- Trade restrictions: Great Britain blocked American merchant ships from trading with France during the Napoleonic Wars.
- Native American conflicts: The British supported Native American tribes fighting against American western expansion
- River Raisin Timeline
- November 1812: Canadian militiamen move into the River Raisin settlement to prepare for expected American advances.
- January 17, 1813: American forces under General James Winchester arrive at the Maumee Rapids and decide to march to the aid of Frenchtown residents requesting protection from the British.
- January 18, 1813 (First Battle of River Raisin): American troops led by Colonel William Lewis charge across the frozen River Raisin, successfully driving Canadian and Native American forces out of Frenchtown.
- January 20, 1813: General Winchester arrives in Frenchtown to take command of the roughly 900+ American troops, but fails to establish proper defensive outposts or security.
- January 22, 1813 (Second Battle River Raisin): British Colonel Henry Procter and a combined force of British regulars, Canadian militia, and Native American warriors launch a surprise dawn counterattack. Heavy artillery and fierce fighting overwhelm the American lines; Winchester is captured, and the Americans are forced to surrender.
- January 23, 1813 (River Raisin Massacre): Native American allies of the British return to Frenchtown and kill wounded and defenseless American prisoners. This created the rallying cry: “Remember the Raisin!”
REMEMBER THE PAST, STEVE