Historic Monroe County, Michigan
Monroe County was established in July 1817, as one of the first steps in the organization of Michigan Territory after the war of 1812. As one of Michigan’s oldest communities, historic treasures abound giving Monroe County both national & global appeal. In addition, the same natural resources that attracted Monroe’s early settlers…Lake Erie, the River Raisin and the bounty that come with them, are still attracting new residents and travelers to this day, making Monroe County Michigan’s #1 Visitor Destination.
River Raisin National Battlefield Park preserves, commemorates, and interprets the January 1813 battles of the War of 1812 and their aftermath in Monroe and Wayne counties in SE Michigan. The Battle resulted in the greatest victory for Tecumseh’s American Indian confederation and the greatest defeat for the U.S. The resulting rally cry “Remember the Raisin” spurred support for the rest of the war. The River Raisin National Battlefield Park grounds are open all year.
The Monroe County Museum, fuels and cultivate visitors’ curiosity through the exploration of Monroe County’s rich and varied stories. Visit the County Museum located in downtown Monroe, Michigan and the Territorial Park on the River Raisin in Frenchtown and Raisinville Townships which includes the 1789 Navarre-Anderson Trading House, 1810 Navarre-Morris Kitchen, Replica French-Canadian Barn and Bake Oven, and the 1864 Papermill School. With the Vietnam Veterans of America Post 142, we assist in the operations of the Vietnam Veterans Museum located in Heck Park in Monroe, Michigan
Over the years, it has served as a grist mill, hydro-electric power plant, Ford factory and fabricating factory.
Now it is has been restored by community volunteers as a historical museum in Dundee.
The three-story frame mill as we know it was built in 1848-49 by Alfred Wilkerson, as a grist mill. The nearby dam had been constructed out of logs in 1846.
Experience the joys of yesteryear at the Old Mill Museum, where you can explore the three floors of local history exhibits, and learn about life in early Dundee.
Martha Barker Country Store Museum
Located at 3775 N. Custer & Raisinville Rd. on the Historic River Raisin. Call the Monroe County Historical Commission at (734) 240-7780 for hours and additional information.
Monroe County Labor History Museum
Dedicated to the preservation and display of artifacts documenting the rich labor heritage of Monroe County.
41 W. Front St.
Monroe , MI 48161
Other Notable History and Links
Monroe County is home to over 100 Historical markers that outline our history back to the 1600’s. List of Markers
Hull's Trace
in 1808 at the Treaty of Brownstown, Territorial Governor, General William Hull, constructed a road to connect Detroit to the Rapids of the Maumee River and to Upper Sandusky in Ohio. Part of this road is still visible today. More