Havre de Grace in Harford County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Home Base
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
By Bill Pfingsten, April 3, 2013
1. Home Base Marker
Five days before the 1813 attack on Havre de Grace, British ships anchored at Spesutia Island, just south of here. Island residents were "greatly terrified" upon their arrival, but were assured they would not be harmed. The Royal Navy used the anchorage off the island as their "home base," returning after each of their attacks in the Upper Bay."On the 28th of April, a brig and two or three schooners came to anchor in the bay, a little below Havre de Grace... On the next morning another brig and schooners joined those which came up the day before."
-Jared Sparks, North American Review and Miscellaneous Journal 14, 1817
Spesutia Island was owned in 1813 by William Smith, who was directly related to Major General Samuel Smith, commander of the defense of Baltimore in 1814. Today the land is part of Aberdeen Proving Ground.
From Havre de Grace, citizens could see the ships anchored at Spesutia Island prior to the War of 1812 attack. This view is from the hill behind where you stand, with a ghost image of today's modern promenade that lines the shore.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this
By Bill Pfingsten, April 3, 2013
2. Home Base Marker overlooking the Chesapeake Bay
Location. 39° 32.29′ N, 76° 5.319′ W. Marker is in Havre de Grace, Maryland, in Harford County. Marker can be reached from Commerce Street. Marker is on the Havre de Grace Promenade at Tidings Park Marina. 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. Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway (a few steps from this marker); Enjoy the Havre de Grace Promenade (a few steps from this marker); State of Readiness (within shouting distance of this marker); Capt. Anthony J. Synodinos & 1st Lt. Edward G. Conrad, (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Havre de Grace War Memorial (about 300 feet away); The Bayou (about 300 feet away); Invasion at Dawn (about 400 feet away); Luxury on the Bay (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Havre de Grace.
By Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013
3. Home Base Marker
By Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013
4. Spesutia Island
Spesutia Island was owned in 1813 by William Smith, who was directly related to Major General Samuel Smith, commander of the defense of Baltimore in 1814. Today the land is part of Aberdeen Proving Ground.Close-up of Photo on marker
By Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013
5. Ghost Image
From Havre de Grace, citizens could see the ships anchored at Spesutia Island prior to the War of 1812 attack. This view is from the hill behind where you stand, with a ghost image of today's modern promenade that lines the shore. Close-up of Bill Watson's painting on marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2013, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. This page has been viewed 503 times since then and 5 times this year. Last updated on December 2, 2020, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 5, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 29, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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