Havre de Grace in Harford County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Susquehanna Lower Ferry

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, April 3, 2013

1. Susquehanna Lower Ferry Marker

Inscription. The taverns and the ferry made Havre de Grace, originally called Susquehanna Lower Ferry, a successful town in the early 19th century. People arrived via the Post Road, the major route of north/south travel in the day, and crossed the Susquehanna River on one of the ferries.

"By several passengers in the stage, which arrived last evening, information is received that about the dawn of day yesterday morning, a considerable number of the enemy came up as high as Havre-de-Grace and commenced the bombardment of that place with shot, shells and rockets."
- Baltimore Patriot, May 4, 1813

Taverns provided food, drink, and lodging for travelers as they waited for river conditions to allow passage. Mrs. Sears' Tavern stood near this location and Mr. Mansfield's Tavern was just north. News traveled into town with the passengers on the Post Road, and locals would frequent the taverns to hear the latest happenings in Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 4, 1695.

Location. 39° 33.148′ N, 76° 5.457′ W. Marker is in Havre de Grace, Maryland, in

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Harford County. Marker is on N. Union Avenue. Marker is in David Craig Park south of the Railroad Bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Havre de Grace MD 21078, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Under Attack (a few steps from this marker); Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Sergeant Alfred B. Hilton Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); American Legion Post No. 47 (within shouting distance of this marker); Flag Pole Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Susquehanna River Crossing (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General Marquis De LaFayette (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Havre de Grace.

Susquehanna Lower Ferry Marker on right with Susquehanna River beyond. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, April 3, 2013

2. Susquehanna Lower Ferry Marker on right with Susquehanna River beyond.

Susquehanna Lower Ferry image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013

3. Susquehanna Lower Ferry

Close-up of image on marker
Pastel by Bill Watson

In the Tavern image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013

4. In the Tavern

Close-up of image on marker
Pastel by Bill Watson

David R. Craig Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013

5. David R. Craig Park

This park is named for the County Executive of Harford County.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,077 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on January 30, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 4, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 10, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.