Living History Encampment, demonstrations Saturday at River Raisin National Battlefield

The River Raisin National Battlefield Park will hold the Friends of the River Raisin Battlefield Living History Encampment and Demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday on the grounds of the Visitor Center, 333 N. Dixie Highway.

“Experience history come to life as you walk through the 1812 encampment and displays, mini militia for kids and enjoy the black powder firing demonstrations. We will also feature Wyandot of Anderdon artifacts,” the battlefield said.

Admission is free.

This year is the 210th-anniversary of Captain Herbert Lacroix’s Company of Michigan volunteers

“At the start of the War of 1812, Michigan was defended by small garrisons of U.S. troops, backed up by the 1st & 2nd Michigan Militia Regiments and the Legionary Corps of Michigan Volunteers,” the battlefield said. “These forces were soon joined by General 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.  Mustered 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 General Hull’s opening campaign of the War of 1812, guiding the army and participating in the Battles of Brownstown and Monguagon.  The surrender of General Hull at Detroit on August 16, 1812 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.”

On the Net: www.nps.gov/rira

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Living History Encampment, demonstrations Saturday at battlefield