A Storied Past

Appearing on nautical charts as early as 1620, the region that makes up Havre de Grace and its surroundings have been part of our nation’s landscape and history for hundreds of years. So beautiful is this stretch of land on the upper Chesapeake Bay, that during the Revolutionary War, the great French General Lafayette said the area reminded him of the French seaport, Le Havre. From that fond observation, Havre de Grace (Harbor of Grace), received its name.

In the early days of the United States, the Continental Congress gave serious consideration to making Havre de Grace the nation’s capital. And although Washington, DC to the south won the honor by just one vote, Havre de Grace wasn’t through contributing to American history. Only a few years later, during the War of 1812, the great patriot Lt. John O’Neill single-handedly defended the town against invasion. Although much of the town was sacked, O’Neill’s bravery is remembered and the house he built in 1813 still stands.

Throughout this charming city you’ll find countless reminders of Havre de Grace’s long, storied past. At the foot of Lafayette Point, the Concord Point Lighthouse operated for 150 years, beginning in 1827. From the lighthouse, you can head over to downtown Havre de Grace featuring over 800 historic buildings in the city’s National Historic District. Some of the more famous structures include Vandiver Inn built in 1886, the Canal Era-style Hall House built in 1835, the beautiful Spence-Silver Mansion built in 1896 and the city’s oldest church, St. John’s Episcopal, built in 1809.

The area has also long been known for the numerous craftsman who have, for decades, carved and sold decoys throughout Havre de Grace. Known as the “Decoy Capital of the World,” the city features a Decoy Museum exhibiting prized hand-carved decoys and other maritime memorabilia.
From its days as a colonial village to its continuing importance to the Chesapeake Bay, Havre de Grace is one of Maryland’s most historic communities.