The Road to America 250: Havre de Grace’s Living Legacy in the American Story
Photo provided by Pat Venturino Photography
As the United States approaches its semiquincentennial, the landmark 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, all eyes turn to the historic pathways that forged our nation. Havre de Grace, Maryland, stands proudly at the crossroads of this journey.
With deep-rooted connections to the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, multiple U.S. Presidents, and pivotal Civil Rights milestones, our city is honoring America 250 with a vibrant lineup of community events, historical dedications, and interactive exhibits throughout 2026.
Discover how Havre de Grace shaped early American history and how you can join Havre de Grace America 250 this year.
From Susquehanna Lower Ferry to “C’est Le Havre!”
The storied lineage of Havre de Grace began in 1608 with Captain John Smith’s famous voyage up the Susquehanna River. At the time, the region was home to the Susquehannock people, who later signed a historic treaty with Maryland settlers in 1652. A few years later, in 1658, Godfrey Harmer acquired 200 acres of land named “Harmer’s Town,” which today comprises the heart of the Havre de Grace Historic District.
By 1695, a vital ferry service crossed the river, earning the settlement the moniker Susquehanna Lower Ferry. This crossing served as a critical logistical artery for George Washington’s Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and, decades later, for Union troops during the Civil War.
Fun Fact:
In 1782, while traveling to meet General Washington in Philadelphia, the Marquis de Lafayette gazed out over the sprawling Susquehanna River entering the Chesapeake Bay and allegedly exclaimed, “C’est Le Havre!” The view reminded him of the French port city Le Havre de Grâce.
The name stuck. Founded in 1782 and officially incorporated in 1785, Havre de Grace holds the honor of being the second-oldest municipality in Maryland, trailing only Annapolis.
Though nearly burned to the ground by British forces on May 3, 1813, during the War of 1812, the resilient town rebuilt. The opening of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal and the expansion of the railroad by 1840 permanently secured Havre de Grace’s legacy as a bustling commercial and historical powerhouse.
Photo provided by Pat Venturino Photography
Walking the Footsteps of Heroes: Our Historic Trails & Public Art
Havre de Grace is a unique custodian of two historic trails that allow visitors to experience Revolutionary War history firsthand, making it a premier destination for heritage tourists during the America 250 celebrations. Even better, as you walk these trails, you will be treated to our vibrant, newly unveiled Havre de Grace 250 murals and art installations that bring our history to life with a modern, creative flair.
1. The Lafayette Trail
The Lafayette Trail is a scenic, self-guided three-mile loop winding through our tree-lined historic district. Marked by bronze fleur-de-lis indicators pressed into the sidewalks, the trail begins at the Havre de Grace Lockhouse Museum (817 Conesteo Street).
It honors the Marquis de Lafayette, who visited the city during his triumphal return tour on August 15, 1824. Today, a bronze statue of Lafayette greets visitors downtown. Locals love dressing the General to match the seasons: shimmering in green, purple, and gold for the annual Mardi Gras Parade, wearing foul-weather gear during sudden Chesapeake Bay storms, or sporting local Warriors scarves for high school Homecoming!
2. The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route
This prestigious 680-mile National Historic Trail traces the exact footsteps of General George Washington’s Continental Army and French General Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau’s forces during their crucial 1781 march to Yorktown, Virginia. Havre de Grace served as a vital, high-stakes ferry crossing for their heavy equipment and troops.
You can pick up an official trail map and secure your Passport To Your National Parks® cancellation stamp right inside the Havre de Grace Visitor Center.
History Meets Modern Canvas: The Semiquincentennial Murals
To visually celebrate our 250-year journey, the city has commissioned public art installations that connect our historical roots with our thriving modern community culture:
- The STAR Center and Concord Point Park Murals: Eye-catching pavement murals featuring the official Havre de Grace 250 logo, perfectly stamping our semiquincentennial pride right onto the city’s walkways.
- The Cultural Center at the Opera House: Don’t miss our most talked-about installation—a whimsical, high-energy mural featuring General George Washington absolutely ripping an electric guitar! It’s a brilliant, playful nod to our city’s booming local music and arts scene.
- 100 and 200 blocks of North Washington Street: Keep an eye out for our expanding collection of life-size Founding Father figures safely stationed throughout our downtown district—offering the perfect, immersive photo-op with the architects of American liberty.
Exploring the Ghostly Side of History
For those who want to experience our deep-rooted heritage with a supernatural twist, Havre de Haunts offers specialized historical ghost tours that bridge the gap between documented history and the paranormal.
Founded in 2013 by native resident Lisa Unruh Lopez—whose ancestry in town predates the War of 1812—this local, family-run outfit pairs thorough archival historical research with chilling local lore. It is a fantastic, family-friendly way to explore the town after dark.
- The Phantom Footsteps of Lafayette Tour: Explores historic downtown sites including Lafayette Square, the legendary Rodgers House, and the historic State Theatre.
- The Haunted Concord Point Tour: Begins near the landmark murals at Concord Point at the Lighthouse Keeper’s House, highlighting spooky maritime lore and the legacy of War of 1812 defender John O’Neill.
- Special America 250 Tour: Don’t miss the 250th American Celebration Ghost Tour on July 25, 2026. This exclusive semiquincentennial tour traces the eerie, mysterious side of our founding fathers and the early U.S. Presidents who once walked our shoreline.
Key America 250 Events & Highlights in Havre de Grace
Celebrate the semiquincentennial with these landmark events happening across the city this summer:
The Maryland Liberty Tree Dedication
- Date: June 13, 2026
- Location: The Moore Family Homestead (710 Market Street)
Havre de Grace has been uniquely selected to represent Harford County in the statewide Maryland Liberty Tree Project. This initiative plants a living tulip poplar seedling—genetically cloned from the last surviving original 1775 Liberty Tree in Annapolis—in each of Maryland’s 23 counties.
The dedication takes place at the Moore Family Homestead, a historic pre-Civil War house built in 1847 by William S. Moore (grandson of early settlers and relative of War of 1812 defender John O’Neill). Local lore suggests this homestead served as a safe haven along the Underground Railroad. Today, the property is preserved by the city and hosts the Heirloom Victory Garden, managed by the Havre de Grace Green Team to supply fresh vegetables to local food pantries.
Photo provided by Pat Venturino Photography
4th of July Celebration
- Date: July 5, 2026
- Time: Parade at 2:00 PM | Concert at 7:30 PM | Fireworks at 9:15 PM
For over 140 years, starting with our first recorded parade in 1885, Havre de Grace has hosted the region’s premier Independence Day festivities. To mark the 250th American birthday, this year’s parade down Union Avenue features incredible community floats, first responders, and marching bands.
Follow the crowd to Concord Point Park for a patriotic performance by the Maryland Military Band, capped off by a massive fireworks display launched from a barge on the Susquehanna River. Learn more at the official Havre de Grace Fourth of July website.
Photo provided by Pat Venturino Photography
The Freedom 250 Truck Tour
- Dates: July 8–9, 2026
- Location: 700 Congress Avenue
We are thrilled to host an official Freedom 250 Truck right here in town! One of only six state-of-the-art mobile museums traveling the United States in 2026, this interactive experience brings original stories, immersive simulators, and artifacts of the American Revolutionary era directly to our streets. Check out full details on the Explore Havre de Grace Event Page.
Plan Your Historic Visit to Havre de Grace
There is no better place to connect with the American spirit than along our historic shorelines. As we march closer to the national semiquincentennial, we invite you to explore our shops, dine at our local waterfront restaurants, and immerse yourself in the living history of Havre de Grace.
For a complete schedule of upcoming Havre de Grace 250 festivities, lodging options, and interactive trail maps, visit the official Explore Havre de Grace Tourism Guide.