Havre de Grace in Harford County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Out of the Flames
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
John and Elizabeth Rodgers, parents of U.S. Naval hero John Rodgers, operated a tavern here. They also owned the Rodgers Tavern in Perryville, along with a ferry business connecting the two.
"The enemy set fire three times to Mrs. Ro(d)gers' house...but it fortunately each time was extinguished, though they defaced and mutilated much..."
Rev. James Jones Wilmer, 1813
Naval Dynasty
Commodore John Rodgers is credited with firing the first shot of the war June 23, 1812. His son, John Rodgers, born at the family home, Sion Hill, commanded ironclads in the Civil War. In all, the Rodgers family includes four generations of naval officers.
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 month for this entry is June 1823.
Location. 39° 32.973′ N, 76° 5.384′ W. Marker is in Havre de Grace, Maryland, in Harford County. Marker is at the intersection of N. Washington Street and St. John Street, on the left when traveling south on N. Washington Street . 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. Rochambeau Plaza (here, next to this marker); War in the Chesapeake (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Surprise Attack (about 500 feet away); "O! say can you see…" (about 500 feet away); "The People of Havre de Grace" (about 500 feet away); No Respect (approx. 0.2 miles away); Matilda O'Neill Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lafayette's Tour (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Havre de Grace.
Also see . . .
1. John Rodgers - Wikipedia. (Submitted on April 4, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
2. Elizabeth Rodgers House. National Register Nomination Form, HA-798, Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties. (Submitted on October 6, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
Additional commentary.
1. George Washington May Have Dined Here
Washington wrote in his diary: "Thursday September 20th, l787 -- Set off after an early breakfast, crossed the Susquehanna and dined at Havre de Grace at the house of one (Colonel) Rodgers, and lodged at Skirett's Tavern twelve miles short of Baltimore." But, this might refer to Rodgers Tavern in nearby Perryville.
— Submitted October 6, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 826 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 4, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on January 15, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on April 4, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 4. submitted on January 15, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 5. submitted on April 4, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on October 6, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.