Heidelberg prof plays key role in Congressional legislation

TIFFIN — Heidelberg College anthropology professor G. Michael Pratt played a key role in passage of recent Congressional legislation, a bill that would create a study to explore the prospect of adding the River Raisin Battlefield in Monroe, Mich., to the National Park system.

In 1999, Pratt directed the initial archeological survey of the River Raisin Battlefield. It was during this first survey that Pratt, along with colleagues from Mannik and Smith Group, Eastern Michigan University and the city of Monroe, found portions of a stockade fence used as a defensive position by U.S. military forces during the battle. These discoveries led to a second survey in 2002, and a third in 2004, both under Pratt’s direction. In the process of these second and third digs, additional areas of the stockade were traced, as were artifacts relating to the camp of the U.S. Regular troops.

Talk of designating the site as a National Historic Landmark began early this year, and Pratt was invited by U.S. Rep. John Dingell of Michigan, who took a particular interest in the site, to be included in the discussion of the proposed bill, and was later asked to review the initial draft of the bill.

“I believe it is important not only for Michigan, but also for our nation’s history, that we protect these lands so future generations can learn about the battles and recognize the sacrifices of those who died there,” Dingell said. “The War of 1812 is one of the least studied, but most important episodes of our nation’s history. The River Raisin Battle in particular was the bloodiest battle ever in Michigan. I can think of no better way to honor those who fought there than to make the site a permanent memorial to their bravery and sacrifice.”

If the bill passes in the Senate, the secretary of the Interior would study the suitability of including the site of the River Raisin massacre into the National Park system. The state of Michigan has provided $1 million for brownfield redevelopment and rehabilitation of the site. In addition, the city of Monroe and the Monroe County Historical Society have each pledged $35,000 for the creation of a master plan for the entire battlefield site, and they will soon be applying for a Battlefield Protection Grant through the National Park Service.

Pratt became a full-time Heidelberg professor in 1985. He received his bachelor’s degree from Miami University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Case Western Reserve University. He serves as associate vice president for Adult Programs, professor of anthropology, director of the archeological laboratory and director of Heidelberg at Arrowhead Park.