River Raisin National Battlefield

 River Raisin is the site of the most devastating loss the Americans endured during the War of 1812.  In the town and fort that was in this area the British, assisted by a band of natives from several different tribes, and led by Tecumseh defeated the American troops who were defending the town and the fort.  The battle took place over three days in January. Although the Americans won the first skirmish, they were handily defeated over the next two days.  

Very somber place where many men perished and are buried here with unmarked graves. 

The old visitor center is depicted above. It is closed permanently. You can walk the grounds and follow the battles as they progressed over three days. There are signs which explain what happened. 

Then you can drive to the new visitor center and watch a movie that recreates the events of those three days. The new visitor center is a work in progress. There is a beautiful diorama that was made by a volunteer that painstakingly recreates the town before the battle took place.  He used resin to depict the Raisin River that flowed through the middle of town.  Great stop with rangers who knew their history.