Annual Spring Muster scheduled for May 18 at River Raisin National Battlefield Park

MONROE — From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18, the Friends of the River Raisin Battlefield will host their annual Spring Muster living history encampment at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park Demonstration Field, 333 N. Dixie Highway in Monroe. The event is free and open to the public.

Eventgoers can experience history come to life as they walk through the 1812 encampment and enjoy a variety of demonstrations, including black powder firing, period cooking, weaving, historic trades and more.

According to organizers, at the start of the War of 1812, Michigan was defended by small garrisons of U.S. troops, backed up by the 1st and 2nd Michigan Militia Regiments and the Legionary Corps of Michigan Volunteers. These forces were soon joined by Brig. Gen. William Hull’s army of U.S. regulars and Ohio militia volunteers.

At the River Raisin, Hubert Lacroix was elected captain of an 80-man company. Called into service on May 18, 1812, Lacroix’s Company became part of the Legionary Corps and was assigned to guard the settlement, escort the mails and help build Hull’s Road to Detroit. Lacroix’s Company participated in Hull’s opening campaign of the War of 1812, guiding the army and participating in the battles of Brownstown and Maguaga.

On Aug. 16, 1812, Hull surrendered at Detroit and ended Lacroix Company’s official term of service, although members continued to serve in an ad hoc manner through the battles of the River Raisin in January of the following year.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Friends of the River Raisin Battlefield Spring Muster set for May 18