Raisinville Township, Monroe County, Michigan

Raisinville Township is one of the most historically rich places in all of Monroe County, as well as Michigan itself. The original settlers of the area were the first in all of Michigan to organize the first school district and provide buildings and funding for it.

The Raisin River, the main river in Monroe County, runs through Raisinville Township and is known for its bike trails, woodland surroundings, canoeing, and, of course, bass fishing. The river was also a main focal point for the War of 1812 where French-American and displaced Kentucky soldiers were attacked by oppressed Indian tribes. The battle cry “Remember the Raisin” became a regular shout during retaliations and blitzkriegs throughout the remainder of the war.

Today, Raisinville Township is home to 4,900 people, most of who work in surrounding area auto and other manufacturing factories, retail stores, the food industry, and other businesses. The township is also home to many people of southern ancestry. After World War II many coal mines and factories closed in the south, primarily in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, thus leaving many people of those areas the only option to travel north to Michigan to work in the budding auto industry. The average median household income for the township is over $62,000 a year.

Raisinville is also home to the Monroe County Community College, an always expanding two-year college. Many graduates and students of the four-decade-old community college usually transfer to the nearby University of Toledo, Sienna Heights University, Eastern Michigan University, or the University of Michigan. Monroe County Community College (or MCCC) is one of the most cost effective colleges in, not only Michigan, but the tri-state area. Recently, a new building was opened on the MCCC campus, with funding and donations through the La-Z-Boy company, that plays host too many business meetings and many stage productions courtesy of the Meyer Theater. Some of the productions have included comedy shows, off-Broadway plays, musicals, and the annual “Big Show” of Monroe County’s Blues Series, the month-long celebration of blues music.

The Blues Series, sponsored by the Monroe County Library System, is filled with various events throughout the month of February, including many shows and seminars on the history and essence of the blues. Many blues fans from all over the state, Ohio, and Indiana, make pilgrimages to see some of the events that Monroe County has to offer. Some of the performers that have been at past Blues Series events include blues legend Willie Dixon, Hubert Sumlin (former guitarist for Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters, and a massive influence on Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, and the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards), Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin, Little Ed, as well as many, many other great performers.

Down the road from the Meyer Theater is the Monroe County Fair Grounds that hosts the Monroe County Fair every year at the end of the July throughout the beginning of August. The fair is a huge event for the county and its highlights include the annual demolition derby, tractor-pull, and an annual concert that has had performers in the past that have included Montgomery Gentry, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Reba McIntyre, as well as many others.

Raisinville Township

96 Ida-Maybee Road

Monroe, MI 48161

(734) 269-2506

Hours 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday thru Thursday

www.raisinvilletownship.com

Click below to for articles and photos about each township.