One of the oldest settlements in Michigan, Monroe is a treasure trove of American history. The area had been occupied by various cultures of indigenous people for hundreds of years and later claimed by French explorers before becoming part of the Michigan Territory following the Revolutionary War, explaining the town's previous name of Frenchtown. The Monroe area is national known as the site of the Battles and Massacre of the River Raisin, among the largest engagement of the War of 1812, and it was after the war that the town was renamed in honor of Pres. James Monroe. Perhaps the town is better known as the home of Gen. George Armstrong Custer, the Civil War hero who valiantly led Union troops to victory, only to perish at the Battle of Little Bighorn. This collection uses rare images and historical insights to document and celebrate Monroe's early development, military legacy, architectural splendor, and legendary figures.