Havre de Grace, Maryland

Coordinates: 39°32′54″N 76°5′51″W / 39.54833°N 76.09750°W / 39.54833; -76.09750
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
For the racehorse, see Havre de Grace (horse).

Havre de Grace, Maryland
City
City of Havre de Grace
Havre de Grace waterfront at Concord Point Light
Havre de Grace waterfront at Concord Point Light
FIPS code
24-37600
GNIS feature ID0590437
Websitewww.havredegracemd.com
Satellite image of the Chesapeake Bay's confluence with Susquehanna River and the Maryland cities of Havre de Grace (southwest bank) and Perryville (northeast bank)

Havre de Grace (/hævər dɪˈɡreɪs/),[2] abbreviated HdG, is a city in Harford County, Maryland, United States. It is situated at the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the head of Chesapeake Bay. It is named after the port city of Le Havre, France, which in full was once Le Havre de Grâce (French, "Harbor of Grace").

The population was 12,952 at the 2010 U.S. census. In 2014, Smithsonian magazine called it one of the 20 best small U.S. towns to visit.[3]

History

Sion Hill, 1936

Early history

During the

Lafayette, who became considered a hero of the war. He commented that the area reminded him of the French seaport of Le Havre
on the English Channel. It had originally been named Le Havre-de-Grâce. Inspired by Lafayette's comments, the residents incorporated the town as Havre de Grace in 1785.

George Washington stayed overnight in the town in 1789 on the journey to New York City for his first inauguration. During the First Congress in 1789, Havre de Grace missed by only one vote being named the capital of the fledgling United States.[4][5]

19th century

See also: Raid on Havre de Grace

On May 3, 1813, during the War of 1812, British forces led by Sir George Cockburn executed a raid on Havre de Grace, routing the American militiamen defending it and burning large parts of the village.[6] American Lieutenant John O'Neill single-handedly manned a cannon to help defend the town. He was wounded, captured by the British, and quickly released. In gratitude, Havre de Grace made O'Neill and his descendants the hereditary keepers of the Concord Point lighthouse, which marks the mouth of the Susquehanna River.

The early industry of Havre de Grace included oyster and crab harvesting. Extensive fruit orchards were cultivated in and near the town. Products were shipped to markets along the East Coast and upriver.

The town was the southern terminus for the Proprietors of the Susquehanna Canal and later the

railroads
, which could carry freight more quickly. The Lock Keeper's house and remnants of the canal exist today as a museum.

Havre de Grace was a primary town on the Eastern route of the Underground Railroad in Maryland, as refugee slaves could cross the Susquehanna to havens in the free state of Pennsylvania, traveling on to Philadelphia and New York.[7] Prior to 1840, escaped slaves from communities along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay came to Havre de Grace and often took the ferry across the Susquehanna River to safe sites in Lancaster and Chester counties in Pennsylvania.[8] When "vigilance increased at the ferry", the African-American refugees were guided upriver to cross to Columbia, Pennsylvania, a town established by abolitionist Quakers.[9] Because Havre de Grace had varied transportation across the river, refugees were often successful in making their way to the North.

In the 19th century, Havre de Grace became known for

duck hunting, and was a seasonal destination for hunters. They stayed at the town hotels and hired local guides to escort them hunting on the river and along the bay. Local artisans became known for making high quality decoys
, which they carved and painted. Prime examples are displayed today at the Decoy Museum of the city.

By the 1860s, a large population of free African Americans had settled in the town. It had enough business to support independent artisans, and numerous jobs associated with shipping on the river and canal and, increasingly, with the railroads. During the American Civil War, this town was one of seven sites where the Army recruited for volunteers for the

U.S. Colored Troops, composed of African-American men. Although located in the tidewater area of Harford County, which still had large plantations and slaveholders, the city's river and canals tied it to northern industry and trade in Pennsylvania and beyond. These provided urban jobs for free blacks, and the town had a strong proportion of Northern sympathizers among whites.[citation needed
]

In 1878, the town became a city and established its own government. Shortly after 1878, Stephen J. Seneca opened a fruit-packing factory in the S. J. Seneca Warehouse, with a tin can factory next to Havre de Grace Waterfront. Seneca made improvements to canning with his patents, such as the "Can-soldering machines" of 1889,[10] and 1891.[11] By 1899, Seneca had become a canned goods broker. The first railroad was constructed along St. Clair Street (now Pennington Ave.) to the river, so Seneca's factory was well-positioned for both water and rail shipping. Up until the Second World War, many farmers in Harford County brought their produce to the Seneca Factory (later run as Stockhams Cannery). S.J. Seneca lived at 200 North Union Ave., served as Mayor of Havre de Grace (1893-1894), and donated funds and land to build the Methodist Church.[12]

The Seneca cannery, now adapted for use as an antique shop, is a very good example of a late 19th-century brick industrial building. It has a severely classical facade and massive stone buttresses at the rear.[13]

20th century

Aerial view of Havre de Grace, 1907

Many patents followed the opening of the S. J. Seneca Cannery. 1901 The Baling-press.[14] 1905 The Cooker[15] 1905 The Tomato-scalder.[16] 1917 Improved Tomato-scalder.[17] 1917 The Can-opener.[18] 1918 The Machine for peeling tomatoes.[19]

Havre de Grace was known as "The Graw" from 1912 through the 1950s. It prospered as a stop for north–south travelers. These included gangsters and gamblers en route to New York City from the South following the "pony routes". The Havre de Grace Racetrack operated from 1912 to 1950. Chicago gangster Al Capone was reported to have stayed at the former "Chesapeake Hotel" (now known as "Backfin Blues; Creole de Graw"). At the end of the 1950s, the state removed the horse track. Its race and betting rights were bought by the larger Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

In 1949, the city denied a license to use a city park and arrested a Jehovah's Witnesses preacher. The resulting case reached the US Supreme Court; in Niemotko v. Maryland (1951), the court ruled that Jehovah's Witnesses were protected by constitutional rights to the free exercise of religion, and the city should have granted them the permit to speak in the park.

A few tenant farmhouses remain from the large Mitchel

plantation that overlooked the city. In the 1980s, Havre de Grace began to undergo extensive redevelopment as people were attracted to its unique character. Historic properties were renovated and sometimes adapted for new uses. In addition, former farmland was redeveloped for construction of new houses and, later, townhouse communities. It became a destination for people with "second homes" for vacations on the bay and retirees. Historic lands and older forests are being cleared, and expensive houses are now extending and growing along Chapel Road northwest toward Webster Village.[citation needed
] Since the late 20th century, the city has benefited through development of new properties, antique stores, and other retail venues.

Per capita income doubled in the city from 1990 to 2000, with the arrival of wealthier residents to the newer suburban projects around and in the city. Some commute to jobs elsewhere; others are retirees. New suburban developments since the 1990s brought thousands of middle-to-upper-class residents to the town. Many working-class citizens who used to live in the city have been displaced by rising property values and gentrification.[20]

21st century

Northbound Acela Express crossing Amtrak Susquehanna River Bridge at Havre de Grace

In September 2003,

Americorps NCCC.[21]
Today, it serves as a waterfront boardwalk and nature walk from Tydings Park to the Maritime Museum, and on to Concord Point Lighthouse.

Havre de Grace expanded in the early 21st century by annexing land.[22] Housing development is moderate but steady.

Havre de Grace has been affected by the BRAC activities of the Department of Defense. DOD recently moved activities and personnel from various bases to the Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), a few miles away, which has added to the demand for housing and services.[23]

Geography

Havre de Grace is located at 39°32′54″N 76°5′51″W / 39.54833°N 76.09750°W / 39.54833; -76.09750 (39.548412, −76.097554)[24] at the mouth of the Susquehanna River.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.89 square miles (17.85 km2), of which 5.50 square miles (14.24 km2) is land and 1.39 square miles (3.60 km2) is water.[25]

Havre de Grace is 40 miles (64 km) northeast of

Washington, D.C., and 154 miles (248 km) southwest of New York City
.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the

Köppen Climate Classification system, Havre de Grace has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[26]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18501,335—
18601,96347.0%
18702,28116.2%
18802,81623.5%
18903,24415.2%
19003,4235.5%
19104,21223.0%
19204,3773.9%
19303,985−9.0%
19404,96724.6%
19507,80957.2%
19608,5109.0%
19709,79115.1%
19808,763−10.5%
19908,9522.2%
200011,33126.6%
201012,95214.3%
202014,80714.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[27]

2010 census

As of the

Latino
of any race were 4.7% of the population.

There were 5,258 households, of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.6% were married couples living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.6% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.02.

The median age in the city was 41.9 years. 21.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.1% were from 25 to 44; 31.4% were from 45 to 64; and 13.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

2000 census

As of the

Latino
of any race were 2.13% of the population.

There were 4,557 households, out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% were non-families. 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.07. Over half (54%) of the housing units in the city are renter-occupied.

In the city, the population was spread, with 26.4% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $41,218, and the median income for a family was $53,838. Males had a median income of $37,985 versus $27,173 for females. The

poverty line
, including 10.8% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation

U.S. Route 40 eastbound in Havre de Grace

Roads and highways

The primary means of travel to and from Havre de Grace is by road. The most prominent highway through the city is

Route 763
.

Railroads

Two

freight across the river on the CSX Susquehanna River Bridge, rebuilt between 1907 and 1910, about 1 mile (1.6 km) upstream of the Amtrak bridge.[30]

Attractions

Havre de Grace's location at the head of the

Concord Point Lighthouse
to the yacht basin is a favorite place for locals and tourists to walk and enjoy views of the bay.

In 1987, the central business district was added to the

Concord Point Lighthouse, the Lockhouse Museum, and the Black Eyed Susan paddle steamer. Havre de Grace also claims a renovated seaplane port
. Additionally there resides the Washington Street Books Entertainment Museum. The city has four public schools and Harford Memorial Hospital, the first to be established in Harford County.

A project not completely funded (as of 2022) is the restoration of the Havre de Grace Colored School Museum and Cultural Center.

Notable people

Local media

Town Twins/Sister Cities

Havre de Grace has a Sister city relationship with Mumbles,  Wales.[31]

Havre de Grace also has a Sister City relationship with Sillamäe, Ida-Viru County, Estonia.

A

season four episode of the television show Boardwalk Empire was named for the city and partially took place there.[32]

The city stood in for

House of Cards
.

In July 2007, the movie From Within (2008) was filmed in Havre de Grace.[33]

In 2018, stand-up comedian Tom Myers recorded his CD "Make America Innate Again" in the Black Box at the Cultural Arts Center. Additionally, the opening track is titled "Hello, Havre De Grace."[34]

Since 2022, The State Theater on St. John Street has hosted many shows of Combat Zone Wrestling called “Limelight”.

References

  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  2. ^ "John Kelly's Washington Live". washingtonpost.com.
  3. ^ "History, Travel, Arts, Science, People, Places - Smithsonian". smithsonianmag.com.
  4. ^ "Havre de Grace came close to the capital 224 years ago". cecildaily.com. December 23, 2015.
  5. ^ "Havre de Grace, Maryland". baltimoresun.com. March 6, 2009.
  6. ^ Rich, Laura. Maryland History In Prints 1743-1900. p. 42.
  7. ISBN 9780811731430
    . Retrieved March 24, 2014.
  8. ISBN 9780665136177
    . Retrieved March 24, 2014.
  9. ISBN 9780313381461
    . Retrieved March 24, 2014.
  10. ^ "Patent US414728 - Can-soldering machine". google.com.
  11. ^ "Patent US452584 - Can-soldering machine". google.com.
  12. ^ http://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/stagsere/se1/se5/014000/014400/014451/pdf/msa_se5_14451.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  13. ^ "HA-814" (PDF). Maryland Historical Trust. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  14. ^ "Patent US681356 - Baling-press". google.com.
  15. ^ "Patent US787688 - Cooker". google.com.
  16. ^ "Patent US787484 - Tomato-scalder". google.com.
  17. ^ "Patent US1248214 - Tomato-scalder". google.com.
  18. ^ "Patent US1226628 - Can-opener". google.com.
  19. ^ "Patent US1252322 - Machine for peeling tomatoes". google.com.
  20. ^ www.havredegracemd.com https://web.archive.org/web/20111201081528/http://www.havredegracemd.com/pdf/comprehensive-plan-chapter-3-the-plan.pdf. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 1, 2011. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  21. ^ Americorps
  22. ^ Baltimore Sun Media Group (August 22, 2012). "Havre de Grace Council members adopted several resolutions Monday night, including one to start the process of annexing the former Kiwi property on Post Road. - Baltimore Sun". baltimoresun.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2014. Retrieved March 22, 2013.
  23. ^ www.havredegracemd.com https://web.archive.org/web/20130920111958/http://www.havredegracemd.com/content/docs/economic-downtown-redevelopment.pdf. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 20, 2013. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  24. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  25. ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
  26. ^ "Havre De Grace, Maryland Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase.
  27. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  28. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
  29. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  30. ^ a b Volin, Rudy (July 6, 2006). "Perryville and Havre de Grace, Md". Trains. Archived from the original on December 4, 2008. Retrieved March 10, 2009.
  31. ^ Anderson, David (February 5, 2019). "Havre de Grace establishes 'Twinning' relationship with community of Mumbles, Wales". baltimoresun.com. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  32. ^ Eyerly, Alan (November 18, 2013). "'Boardwalk Empire' recap: Nucky giving up gangster biz?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  33. IMDb Edit this at Wikidata
    . Retrieved December 26, 2010.
  34. ^ "Innate".
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American Cyclopædia article Havre de Grace
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