Last updated: July 14, 2023
Place
Kentucky Memorial Place
Linda Rutledge
Quick Facts
Location:
Corner of Monroe and Seventh Streets, Monroe, MI. 48161
Significance:
Historical Cemetery
MANAGED BY:
City of Monroe
Amenities
4 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Scenic View/Photo Spot
The remains of several unidentified Kentucky victims of the Battles of the River Raisin are believed to be buried at this location. In the years that followed, some of these remains might have been removed and eventually made their way back to Kentucky, but doubtful. Later, residents of Monroe who died from the cholera epidemic of 1830 were buried at this location, and some of their graves can still be seen here.
In 1872, surviving veterans of the War of 1812 from Kentucky and Ohio gathered on this spot to honor their fallen comrades. However, by the early 1900s, the cemetery had fallen into disrepair and there was pressure to abandon it. The “Civic Improvement Society of the Women of Monroe” stepped in to protect the site. They took over the cemetery, restored it, and then were able to persuade city officials to designate the old burial ground as a park.
The State of Michigan provided funding for the monument, which was dedicated in 1904. Since then, the monument has stood as a permanent tribute to Kentucky and the militiamen from that state who came to the aid of the habitants of the Territory of Michigan during the War of 1812.
The continuing close tie between these two states is reflected in the fact that River Raisin National Battlefield Park is one of only a few places outside of Kentucky where the Kentucky State Flag is authorized to fly. A contingent of officials from the State of Kentucky travelled to Monroe for the dedication of the Kentucky Monument on September 4, 1904, including H.V. Mc Chesney (Secretary of State), Colonel Bennet Young who had fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War, Governor Thomas T. Crittenden of Missouri who was the grandson of Colonel John Allen, and others. Nine counties in Kentucky are named for officers in the Kentucky Militia who fought during the Battles of the River Raisin.
In 1872, surviving veterans of the War of 1812 from Kentucky and Ohio gathered on this spot to honor their fallen comrades. However, by the early 1900s, the cemetery had fallen into disrepair and there was pressure to abandon it. The “Civic Improvement Society of the Women of Monroe” stepped in to protect the site. They took over the cemetery, restored it, and then were able to persuade city officials to designate the old burial ground as a park.
The State of Michigan provided funding for the monument, which was dedicated in 1904. Since then, the monument has stood as a permanent tribute to Kentucky and the militiamen from that state who came to the aid of the habitants of the Territory of Michigan during the War of 1812.
The continuing close tie between these two states is reflected in the fact that River Raisin National Battlefield Park is one of only a few places outside of Kentucky where the Kentucky State Flag is authorized to fly. A contingent of officials from the State of Kentucky travelled to Monroe for the dedication of the Kentucky Monument on September 4, 1904, including H.V. Mc Chesney (Secretary of State), Colonel Bennet Young who had fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War, Governor Thomas T. Crittenden of Missouri who was the grandson of Colonel John Allen, and others. Nine counties in Kentucky are named for officers in the Kentucky Militia who fought during the Battles of the River Raisin.