Have you ever wondered about the history of Havre de Grace? This coastal city is located on the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the head of Chesapeake Bay. The name of the town is derived from the port city of Le Havre in France. Originally, Havre de Grâce was the name of the port of Havre. Despite its French heritage, the town has retained its traditional roots.
Founded in 1781, Havre de Grace was a primary stop on the Eastern Underground Railroad. From here, refugee slaves could travel to New York and Philadelphia. Before 1840, escaped slaves often traveled by ferry across the Susquehanna River. They were often guided to the safety of nearby towns, such as Lancaster and Chester County. In 1840, the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal was built, which brought many new immigrants to the area.
The town is renowned for its waterfront and has many attractions geared towards water sports. The city is also home to the famous Skipjack Martha Lewis, which is usually docked here for public sails. Unfortunately, the Skipjack is in repair this season, but will return in 2022. Fishing is another popular activity. In addition to boating, fishing is also a popular pastime in Havre de Grace. A visit to the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum is a great way to learn about the history of the town.
Public art is also very prominent in Havre de Grace. The Big Fish statue, a cantilevered stainless steel fish, is located near the Concord Point Lighthouse. The statue of Lafayette is often dressed up for different events. It is also home to the Waterfowl Art Museum, where you can attend lectures and tours of decoy carving. During the first Friday of June, you can also catch a live music performance, a kids zone, and a kids’ area.
Havre de Grace, Maryland is an historic waterfront town located at the mouth of the Susquehanna River. It was founded in 1782, and was named one of the nation’s top 20 small towns by Smithsonian magazine in 2014. The town boasts trendy shopping, dining, and historic attractions for the whole family. The town is a great place to take a vacation and explore the area’s history. It’s worth your time and money to visit.
There are a number of important statistics to keep in mind when examining the area’s socioeconomic status. The local unemployment rate stands at 6.3%. The population is primarily white, with 17.5% of residents identifying as African American, Hispanic, and/or other races. There is also a high percentage of the elderly, which is approximately 30% of the whole population. While the town is home to some ethnically diverse residents, most people do not identify as Hispanic.
The town’s rich maritime history is celebrated at the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House. This nonprofit museum is located in the Susquehanna State Park. It’s open to the public April-October, with extended hours in the holiday season. There are interactive exhibits dedicated to local history, including the 1608 visit by Captain John Smith. The museum also features restored historic boats and maps. There is also a working model that demonstrates period technologies.