River Raisin Battlefield hosts 'living history' demonstrations, re-enactments

Katie Tibai
·2 min read
War of 1812 re-enactors perform a drill demonstration during a Living History event at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park.
War of 1812 re-enactors perform a drill demonstration during a Living History event at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park.
Anne Wright stands next to a table of muskets at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park.
Anne Wright stands next to a table of muskets at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park.
A War of 1812 re-enactor motions during drills at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park.
A War of 1812 re-enactor motions during drills at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park.
Monroe historian Ralph Naveaux enjoys a beverage in the shade during the Living History event.
Monroe historian Ralph Naveaux enjoys a beverage in the shade during the Living History event.
A group of re-enactors perform a drill.
A group of re-enactors perform a drill.

Two-hundred and 10 years later, the War of 1812 is still faithfully remembered, studied and shared by passionate historians throughout Monroe County and the surrounding areas.

Friends of the River Raisin National Battlefield Park hosted an open house Living History event at the park's Education Center off N. Dixie Highway.

The event featured demonstrations such as firing a cannon, shooting black powder muskets, traditional camps, open-fire cooking, displays of traditional and sacred items of the Wyandot Tribe and multiple re-enactors performing drills while dressed in typical 1812 era clothing.

The main group of re-enactors was Lacroix’s Company, but members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Children of the American Revolution and the Ohio Militia also participated in the event.

“We think of it as an educational experience,” said Monroe historian Ralph Naveaux, a member of the Lacroix’s Company. He noted that his family dates back to 1812, so he views the community and history as a part of his personal heritage. In the War of 1812, Lacroix’s Company was the first unit to be mobilized and that tradition and memory is being preserved by the members of the company.

“We are a living history community,” Naveaux said.

It was a welcoming treat for the 2022 Spring Open House that members - and prospective future members - of the Oakland County Elias Cady Society (National Society Children of the American Revolution) also attended the event. Linda Royse, senior president of the chapter, emphasized her excitement at the opportunity to participate in the Monroe demonstrations.

“It’s nice to see such a positive response and attendance,” Royse said. “It’s important for these opportunities to be available to keep the history alive.”

The open house lasted from mid-morning through late afternoon, and was not deterred by the storm that hit less than an hour before the beginning of the event. Instead, the hosts adapted and moved some of the displays inside of the visitor center. However, the musket and cannon demonstrations needed to remain outdoors and were well received regardless of the weather. A large group gathered to watch the militia fire the cannon, as well as run standard drills with black powder muskets.

The re-enactors also enjoy interacting with visitors, answering questions, and engaging them in the history of the River Raisin and Frenchtown community.

“Events like this bring history back to life,” Naveux said. “It’s much more engaging than a static display or a movie.”

The living history brings together people who are passionate about the past, and able to share that with anyone who chooses to take part in the event.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: River Raisin Battlefield hosts demonstrations, re-enactments