Brief History of Havre de Grace
No matter how you say it – Havre de Grace, unique on the Chesapeake or Havre de Grace, the meeting place – we offer you a warm “welcome.”
This small city of over 12,000 residents has a long and colorful history. Capt. John Smith (of Pocahontas fame) visited the area in his explorations around the Chesapeake Bay in 1608. He wrote of the area and the Susquehannock Indians.
During the Revolutionary War era, then “General” George Washington truly was seen in these parts. It is quite likely that he did sleep here. And we know he was a regular visitor to Rodgers Tavern in Perryville, Maryland, just across the Susquehanna River.
The Marquis de Lafayette also visited here in that time period. When he saw our town, he remarked, writing in his journal, that we reminded him of Le Havre in France, and called us ‘le havre de grace’ or harbor of mercy. In 1775 we were incorporated with that name. His statue stands at the northern entrance to our downtown.
Another exciting moment in our early history is when we tied in a vote to become the National Capitol. It was broken by one vote, giving Washington DC that title.
During the War of 1812, after the British plundered DC, they continued up the Chesapeake Bay. In early 1813, John O’Neil held fast defending Havre de Grace with a single cannon while most of the locals had scattered. In spite of burning a large portion of the city, we managed to survive and thrive. But wait! You must visit and learn how Matilda O’Neil saved her father after the British captured him! He later was rewarded with appointment as the first keeper of the Concord Point Lighthouse in 1827.
The city began to thrive when the Susquehanna & Tidewater Canal was opened in 1839. Offering a link to much needed raw materials from the north and taking imported goods inland, this 40-mile canal ran from Havre de Grace along the Susquehanna River to Wrightsville, Pennsylvania.
It wasn’t long until the railroad replaced the canal, speeding the city’s growth with it. By the end of the 19th century, lumber, fish packing, and canneries were only a few of the industries creating a thriving community.
In the mid-1800s the area was very active in the slavery debate. The Underground Railroad found many folks willing to risk their lives to guide the slaves and indentured servants toward freedom in the north. There is a rich African-American history here and in surrounding communities.
Havre de Grace offers fine thoroughbred horse farms. And from 1912 to 1952 the Havre de Grace racetrack at The Graw was considered one of the finest. Man O’ War ran here as did many other well-known horses. The track is presently the property of the Maryland National Guard, but the heritage of The Graw had a great influence in the development of our city.
Another milestone in our ever-changing history was the Conowingo Dam. Just 3 miles upriver, it was an astounding development in 1928. It, too, had an enormous impact on our industrial development, city growth and waterfront changes.
In the early 1900s, fishing and waterfowl gunning on the Susquehanna Flats were a huge part of the sporting life. The likes of Babe Ruth came here to enjoy gunning on the flats. This resulted in the unique collectible folk-art of decoy carving. As the self-proclaimed “Decoy Capital of the World,” Havre de Grace has yet another interesting tradition.
2131 and The Iron Man are phrases that most Americans recognize and, most certainly, every baseball fan does. Cal Ripkin, Jr. played 2131 consecutive games for the Baltimore Orioles breaking Lou Gehrig’s record. Cal was born on August 24, 1960 at Harford Memorial Hospital – right here in Havre de Grace!
As malls and interstate highways caused many small towns to flounder, Havre de Grace went through its own struggles throughout the 60s and 70s. But the 80s brought new energy to revitalize the community and to preserve many of the historic homes. Since that time there have been many new festivals and events added to their calendar, six thriving museums, wonderful waterfront activities and an ever-improving downtown that continues to keep Havre de Grace a vital, energized city.
The city’s parks continue to be improved. Our Promenade creates a wonderful waterfront walking venue and spectacular views. The recently added LPGA tournament at Bulle Rock Golf Course offers a new interest to our community. We encourage you to browse the site and learn more about the history, culture, arts, businesses, and events. Then visit us and learn why we love where we live!
The Susquehanna River meets the Upper Chesapeake Bay in Havre de Grace. And folks meet here to enjoy our wonderful community every day. Join us in Havre de Grace ~ the meeting place.
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