Battle of Frenchtown

Disobeyed Orders Leads to Massacre

The Battle of Frenchtown, also known as the Raisin River Massacre, was a devastating defeat for American forces.

American general James Winchester ignored orders from William Henry Harrsion to keep his soldiers near Harrison's brigade for support. Instead, Winchester marched his soldiers well ahead to Frenchtown, where he promptly invaded the town. Four days later, the main force of British and Indian troops arrived at Frenchtown and surprise attacked the Americans. The disorganized Americans were massacred. Only 33 out of the original 400 American combatants escaped with their lives and hundreds were taken prisoner. Many prisoners were subsequently executed by the Indians. The mass execution of Americans became known as the Raisin River Massacre. More American fatalities were recorded here than at any other battle in the War of 1812.

War of 1812 Battles

November 7th, 1811 - Battle of Tippecanoe

July 17, 1812 - Battle of Fort Mackinac

August 15, 1812 - Massacre at Fort Dearborn

October 13, 1812 - Battle of Queenston's Heights

January 22, 1813 - Battle of Frenchtown

March 30, 1813 - Battle of Lacolle Mills

April 27, 1813 - Battle of York

May 1-9, 1813 - Siege at Fort Meigs

August 15-16, 1813 - Surrender of Fort Detroit

September 10, 1813 - Battle of Lake Erie

October 5, 1813 - Battle of Thames

1813-1814 - Creek War

July 5- 1814 - Battle of Chippawa

July 25, 1814 - Battle of Lundy's Lane

August 24, 1814 - Battle of Bladensburg

August 25, 1814 - The Razing of Washington

September 6-11, 1814 - Battle of Plattsburgh

September 12-14, 1814 - Siege of Baltimore

November 11, 1814 - Battle of Crysler's Farm

January 8, 1815 - Battle of New Orleans