Summer of 1812 Encampment

Summer of 1812: Living History Encampment and Demonstrations

July 13, 2024 

9am-4pm

River Raisin National Battlefield Park presents “Summer of 1812″, a living history army encampment at River Raisin National Battlefield Park on Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 9am until 4pm.

The American army is on the move. See history come alive as these early war volunteers are marching through Michigan Territory on their way to Detroit and an invasion of Canada in the Summer of 1812. See what soldier life was like as they complete all the necessary tasks of camp and learn to be effective fighters along with the local civilians who aided their advance during the first major campaign of the War of 1812. 

Walk through the 1812 army encampment and see the variety of demonstrations, including black powder firing, period cooking, fortification construction and more!

Camps Open 9am-4pm, civilians-in-camp programs, military drills, soldier work details throughout the day. *Note date change to July 13 only.

Flintlock musket and rifle demonstrations at 11am, 12pm, and 2pm.

Location:

Visitor Center grounds of the River Raisin National Battlefield Park

333 North Dixie Highway

Monroe, MI 48162

For more information call: 734-243-7136

History of the Spring Muster & 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 1^st & 2^nd Michigan Militia Regiments and the Legionary Corps of Michigan Volunteers.  These forces were soon joined by General Hull’s army of U.S. regulars and Ohio volunteers as they moved north through Michigan Territory on their way to Detroit and an Invasion of Canada.

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 & 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 Monguaga.