Battle of Raisin River

On January 21, 1813, the Battle of Raisin River was fought. The US forces, commanded by General Winchester, sustained severe loses including 100 dead and 500 men captured. They surrendered to British Colonel Henry A. Proctor.

General William Henry Harrison’s Northwest Army divided into three groups to assault British forces positioned in Detroit. One division, comprising 700 Kentuckians, disregarded orders and attempted to procure sustenance and shelter amidst the frigid conditions. Led by Brigadier General James Winchester, the division captured an enemy storehouse in Frenchtown, situated on the River Raisin, and established camp. Due to its precarious defensive position, the division was decimated by a surprise assault of 1,200 British and 1,400 Indian warriors commanded by British General Henry Proctor. The Kentuckians attempted to escape but were pursued relentlessly by the Indians through the wilderness. Over 400 Kentuckians perished, with 80 wounded individuals left behind to confront the savage attacks of the Indians. Remarkably, only 15 to 20 wounded Kentuckians managed to escape and survive.