Remember the Raisin!

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Historical Marker #508 in Georgetown commemorates the Battle of the River Raisin, a War of 1812 battle that led to the deaths of dozens of Kentucky soldiers.

On August 15, 1812, Kentucky volunteers rendezvoused in Georgetown before marching into present-day Michigan to relieve Detroit. Upon nearing Frenchtown (now Monroe), General James Winchester's Kentuckians attacked that town in order to secure supplies. On January 18, 1813, Winchester's men took the settlement.

Although the Kentucky troops were initially successful, British forces and their Native American allies counterattacked on January 22 in what has become known as the Battle of the River Raisin. Hit hard by artillery, the Kentucky troops ultimately retreated in a running fight. After the battle, some Kentucky troops were taken prisoner and marched northwards. However, between forty and sixty-five of the wounded Americans were killed by Native American troops. Because of these atrocities, "Remember the Raisin" became a rallying cry for America during the War of 1812.

At least nine Kentucky counties were named after Kentucky casualties, including Allan, Ballard, Edmonson, Graves, Hart, Hickman, McCracken, Meade, and Simpson.

The marker reads:

REMEMBER THE RAISIN!

Rendezvous of Kentucky Volunteers, Aug. 15, 1812, ordered to relieve Gen. Hull at Detroit. Kentuckians took Frenchtown (Monroe) on Raisin River Jan. 18, 1813. Four days later enemy attacked-killed, massacred, wounded, or captured all but 30. Of 1050 men not half reached home. Ky. counties named for officers: Allen, Ballard, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Edmonson, McCracken, Meade, Simpson.

This marker was dedicated on August 5, 1962.