Havre de Grace is a small city in northeastern Maryland. It is located where the Susquehanna River empties into the Chesapeake Bay. Its name is French and translates as “Harbor of Grace.” Historically, it was runner-up in the vote for the capital of the United States in 1789, and it was later burned down and plundered by the British during the War of 1812. Today, it is a well-kept, quaint, waterfront city. I visited it for the first time right before Halloween 2023.
Amtrak and Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridges
On the city’s northern side, the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge carries U.S. Route 40 traffic across the Susquehanna River. The Amtrak Susquehanna River Bridge takes Amtrak trains across the river on its Northeast Regional line.
Amtrak Susquehanna River Bridge and Boat Launch
Numerous boat launches are located along Havre de Grace’s waterfront on the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. In the picture above, the backyard of the American Legion leads right out to a dock on the river.
Tidewater Grille Seafood Restaurant
I was able to walk along the shore of the river near David R. Craig Park and south of the American Legion grounds. The shoreline almost reminded me of a beach with its sandy soil, discarded fish, and driftwood.
Downtown on Washington Street
Much of the Havre de Grace’s downtown is located on Washington Street and St. John Street. Many small antique shops, restaurants, and other stores are there, more than a typical city of its size. In 2020, Havre de Grace had just under 15,000 residents according to the most recent census.
Downtown on St. John Street
The downtown was very clean and well-kept. Some areas were a bit hilly. It felt very safe, and I saw many other pedestrians shopping and enjoying the nice fall weather.
Halloween in Havre de Grace
Rochambeau Plaza, a sort of gateway into the downtown along North Washington Street, is named for a French general whose troops passed through the area in 1781, according to a historical marker there. While I was visiting, it was adorned with various Halloween characters for the then upcoming Halloween festivities.
Harmer's Town Art Center
Harmer's Town Art Center, which is located just two blocks east of Washington Street, is an open-air art gallery. Its large mural park features various works of art depicting the city’s history, and a lot of it is painted on the sides of buildings.
Winner's Circle Art
At the art center, The Winner's Circle features a mural of race horses, including a horse and jockey sculpture. Harmer's Town Art Center is well worth checking out and very enjoyable to stroll through on a nice day.
Docked Sailboats
Along the city’s waterfront, many sailboats and other sea vessels are docked and tied. Many of the areas are obviously located on private property, but some of the sailboats are visible from public areas.
Concord Point Promenade
A must-see area of Havre de Grace is the Concord Point Promenade and Park. It is located at the southeastern part of the city at the mouth of the Susquehanna River, right where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. The park is very flat and walkable, and the views of the water are breathtaking.
Concord Point Light Station
Located in the park is the Concord Point Light Station, a famous Havre de Grace landmark. According to a historical marker there, the lighthouse was built in 1827, and it was originally lit with nine whale oil lamps. It was decommissioned in 1975 as the oldest Chesapeake light in continuous service.
Mouth of the Susquehanna River
According to the Havre de Grace Visitor Center, the promenade is less than a mile long and offers a picturesque view the Susquehanna River. While walking along the water, it felt longer than that, but part of it may not be part of the official walk. It is located next to Tydings Park, the Decoy Museum, and the Maritime Museum.
Great Blue Heron
While walking along the promenade, I spotted a beautiful great blue heron relaxing near the shoreline. It seemed mostly oblivious to me while I tried to snap several photos.
House Near the Waterfront
Walking through the town itself felt like walking through a typical shore town. A lot of houses will catch your eye as you traverse its streets.
British Landing Historical Plaque
Havre de Grace is a city with a rich history that is important for an understanding of America’s early years. This history is laid out on various historical markers and plaques throughout the city, including the failure of 20 of its defenders to stop 400 invading British troops from coming ashore in 1813.
Discover Havre de Grace Map
Millard Tydings Memorial Park, located at the southern end of town, provides additional views of the Susquehanna River. It contains the Yacht Basin where numerous boats are docked. The park also has a picnic area and playground.
Boats at Millard Tydings Memorial Park
Havre de Grace also contains a few museums, which I was unfortunately unable to visit during my brief stay. I highly recommend a visit for any American history buffs or anyone else who enjoys quaint towns with picturesque waterfront views.
