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Remember the Raisin! by R. White 3-17-04
A statue of General George Custer occupies a prominent place next to the River Raisin near the old Frenchtown Settlement in Monroe County, Michigan. This is often a source of controversy because some residents believe that the golden-haired boy general is undeserving of the honor due to his part in the Indian Wars.At least once a year, anti-Custerites gather at the base of the statue to protest what they see as the glorification of a murderer. The local newspaper is filled with letters to the Editor arguing both for and against the Custer statue. Everyone wants to know everyone else's opinion on the subject. Schoolchildren debate the issue on playgrounds while their parents debate it over their cups of coffee at the diner or bottles of cold beer at the pub. Most Monroe Countians can agree on one thing, however, and that's the importance of honoring the Kentucky militiamen who defended the Frenchtown Settlement and were later massacred at the River Raisin by drunken Indians during the War of 1812. When the French settlers were unable to protect themselves against the British and the Indians, American soldiers from Kentucky marched up Lake Erie to the frozen river and defeated the enemy in a bloody battle on the ice.
There has been much speculation as to why the Indians returned after the battle, whether it was revenge for the earlier battle or simple drunken rowdiness. It is said by some that the dishonorable British set it up, supplying the Indians with the whiskey that fueled their desire for vengeance. Whatever the reasons, the settlement was attacked and homes set afire as the soldiers and settlers slept. Men, women, and children alike were chased down and scalped as they tried to escape the burning buildings. The settlement was deserted as all survivors were captured by the British and marched to Detroit, which at the time was held by Britian. The bodies of the unfortunate victims were left to the animals. After the British had been defeated and people returned to Frenchtown, the bones were gathered and buried in a mass grave over which our main street now lies. The City of Monroe has not forgotten the fallen Kentuckians who laid down their lives for their fellow Americans. Every January, residents and visitors alike gather at the old battleground for an exciting reenactment of the battle. Historical markers tell the story of the battle and the following massacre. Michigan's tribute to Kentucky, in the form of a large stone monument, stands proudly near the spot believed to be the mass grave of the Massacre victims. The monument reads, in part: "This monument is dedicated to the memory of the heroes who lost their lives in our country's defense, in the Battle and Massacre of the River Raisin, January 22nd and 23rd, 1813"
and contains the State seals of both Michigan and Kentucky. We also have many street names which bear witness to the importance of Kentucky's part in the settlement of this part of Michigan. Kentucky Avenue, Winchester St. and Dixie Highway are just three examples. Archeologists are interested in exploring the old settlement further. Many artifacts are thought to be buried underneath an old abandoned paper plant. As we search for clues to the past, I think it's important to remember that all who have taken up arms to defend America and Americans are worthy of our respect, political correctness be damned. That's why General Custer gets a salute from me every time I pass by, and the Kentuckians who fought and died here have my eternal respect and appreciation.
"All gave some, some gave all."
R. White