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The River Raisin runs through cities, counties, states By Tom Adamich in the Monroe County area. For The Monroe News The Michigan DNR divides the River Raisin further into three segments — headwaters to Monroe-area residents and visitors cannot miss Tecumseh, Tecumseh to Dundee, and Dundee to encountering Monroe’s River Raisin at a number Monroe. of access points. Historically, the River Raisin was formed from The river’s interesting topography and unique the retreat of the last glacier (Wisconsin of the structures immediately piqued my interest upon Pleistocene Epoch). Changing course several arriving here to work and live. times, the current River Raisin traces its roots to 10,000 years ago as part of a land drain that lies Thanks to longtime Dundee resident and former to the west of the present river course. The head of the X-Ray/Radiology/Imaging westward flowing River Raisin joined the Huron Department at Mercy Memorial Hospital, Carl River just north of Jackson. At that time, the Anderson (who wanted to know more about Raisin and Huron were headwater tributaries to where the River Raisin begins, what water the Grand River that then flowed westward to the sources feed it, etc.), I’ve embarked on a journey Mississippi River. The Great Lakes also were said to learn more about our friendly, honored local to have set their current forms at this time. tributary in what is planned to be the first of several River Raisin history and information Late Archaic populations (ca. 2000-500 BC) stories. began to reside near the River Raisin. These populations were hunters. Evidence shows that First, to find out general details about the River hooks, gaffs and spears were used to take fish. Raisin, I began to investigate available sources, Spears and darts thrown with atlatls (spear looking for an authoritative one that showed time throwers) were used to kill game. Crop growing and money was spent studying the River Raisin. and pottery production also began. Tom Adamich is professor of technical services and reference Thankfully, Kenneth E. Dodge’s River Raisin librarian at Monroe County Community College. Assessment, one of the Michigan Department of He writes a continuing series examining the Natural Resources’ River Assessments (Special history of Monroe County. He can be reached at Report 23) was published in 1998. I would [email protected]. classify it as the “River Raisin Bible.” Michigan DNR River Assessments are prepared to provide a comprehensive reference for citizens and agency personnel who desire information about a particular fisheries resource. These assessments are used to identify opportunities and solve problems related to aquatic resources in Michigan’s watersheds. According to Dodge, the River Raisin covers 1,070 square miles in Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio. The River Raisin mainstem originates in Section 27 of Woodstock Township (T5S, R1E) in Lenawee County at an elevation of approximately 1050 feet. For a quick zoning map This aerial photo shows the River Raisin at lesson, T5S represents an urban center zone; R1E Monroe, circa 2020. stands for an established lowdensity residential district. [PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY KEN LUND FROM RENO, NEVADA] The River Raisin continues to flow to the northeast until it reaches Manchester, where the river turns south and meanders in a southerly direction until it reaches the town of Blissfield. From Blissfield the river flows east until it enters Lake Erie at Monroe at an elevation of 572 feet. Five counties in Michigan are included in the Raisin River’s mainstem — Hillsdale, Jackson, Washtenaw, Lenawee and Monroe counties. A small portion of Fulton County in Ohio is also The River Raisin is seen in this photo taken included in the mainstem structure. Tributaries to near the Red Mill Pond, Tecumseh. the River Raisin include the river’s South Branch, Wolf Creek (a tributary of the South Branch), [PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY DWIGHT Macon Creek, Black Creek and Saline River. BURDETTE] The River Raisin is divided into two distinct regions — the rugged Irish Hills and the lake Monday, 08/03/2020 Page .A03 district in the highland area of its northwestern part and the flat, old lake plain portion in the eastern part, highlighted by poor-draining clay soils and fertile sandy soils perfect for the agriculture that thrives Copyright 2020 Monroe Media Group 8/3/2020 Powered by TECNAVIA Copyright 2020 Monroe Media Group 8/3/2020.