Sen. Richardville encourages Congress to designate River Raisin battlefield as national park
LANSING - Sen. Randy Richardville today introduced a resolution encouraging Congress to quickly pass legislation, sponsored by Congressman John D. Dingell, that would designate the River Raisin Battlefield in Monroe County as a National Battlefield Park.
“Michigan helped the United States achieve complete freedom from Great Britain during the War of 1812,” said Richardville, R-Monroe. “The battle at the River Raisin was one of the bloodiest battles of the war. Making the battlefield a national park will recognize Monroe County and the entire state of Michigan for playing a significant role in the war effort.”
The battle of the River Raisin took place on Jan. 22, 1813. Only 33 out of 934 Americans escaped death or capture. Survivors of the battle as well as soldiers from the Kentucky Calvary later defeated British forces at the Battle of the Thames with the battle cry of “Remember the Raisin.”
Richardville has worked at the state level for several years to preserve the battlefield site. While serving in the House, he secured state funding and support to acquire the land and remove the old paper factory that was on the site.
“The River Raisin battle is an important part of America’s past, but it has failed to receive the respect and acclaim that it deserves,” Richardville said. “I applaud Congressman Dingell and urge Congress and the president to help us acknowledge this historic time in Michigan’s past by bestowing greater recognition on the battlefield.”
In 1990, the Monroe County Historical Commission and Monroe County Historical Society established the River Raisin Battlefield Visitor Center. The center helps promote public education and awareness of the site.
Posted: Thursday, July 24, 2008
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