"Remember the Raisin"
I am certain that each of you is aware that Monroe, Michigan (formerly Frenchtown) is a very important focal point in the migration of the Metty family from Boucherville, Canada to various parts of the United States and ultimately back to Canada. Our ancestor Felix located there about 1818, and two of his sons married daughters of Francois Lacelle (LaSalle), who was residing there as early as 1810.
Recently our cousin Patricia Smittendorf Thorson, sent the following article which I thought may be of interest to each of you.
Battle CreekEnquirer: Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007
Monroe - The site of a crushing and bloody U. S. defeat in the War of 1812 that left Detroit in British hands for months is being transformed into a memorial park, thanks to $2.25 million in federal and state loans.
The Battle of the River Raisin at the American settlement of Frenchtown in January 1813 saw a force of about 1,300 British soldiers and their American Indian allies overhelm a U. S. force of about 900. All but a handful of the U. S. soldiers died in battle or were killed after capture.
Last year, Congress voted to conduct a study on wether it should become a national battlefield in recognition of its significance during the war.
This week, officials said they have assembled the money to finish demolishing a former paper mill and clear the site for development of a battlefield park.
Officials said they hope the site will draw at least 20,000 visitors a year and generate $2.5 million in economic activity.
For more information on the battlefield site go to: www.riverraisinbattlefield.org
To this very day, some of the Metty family still reside in the Monroe area.
Recently our cousin Patricia Smittendorf Thorson, sent the following article which I thought may be of interest to each of you.
Battle CreekEnquirer: Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007
Monroe - The site of a crushing and bloody U. S. defeat in the War of 1812 that left Detroit in British hands for months is being transformed into a memorial park, thanks to $2.25 million in federal and state loans.
The Battle of the River Raisin at the American settlement of Frenchtown in January 1813 saw a force of about 1,300 British soldiers and their American Indian allies overhelm a U. S. force of about 900. All but a handful of the U. S. soldiers died in battle or were killed after capture.
Last year, Congress voted to conduct a study on wether it should become a national battlefield in recognition of its significance during the war.
This week, officials said they have assembled the money to finish demolishing a former paper mill and clear the site for development of a battlefield park.
Officials said they hope the site will draw at least 20,000 visitors a year and generate $2.5 million in economic activity.
For more information on the battlefield site go to: www.riverraisinbattlefield.org
To this very day, some of the Metty family still reside in the Monroe area.
Comments
I am amazed at all of the work you've done. This blog is fabulous! I'm new to blogging so it will take me a while to get used to the fundamentals, but you have done all of the Metty descendents a great service.
Thank you,
Ellen
P.S. I may not post often, but will get my family information on as soon as possible (probably in the summer when I have time off from school).