Havre de Grace in Harford County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hero's Reward
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013
1. Hero's Reward Marker
John O'Neill led a futile defense when British raiders attacked Havre de Grace May 3, 1813. As other defenders fled, O'Neill briefly manned a cannon alone.
His courage earned O'Neill a presidential appointment as first keeper of the Concord Point Lighthouse. He lived here from 1827 until his death in 1838.
" An English officer on horseback followed by the marines, rode up and took me with two muskets in my hand." -- John O'Neill, Baltimore Niles' Weekly Register May 15, 1813.
Tributes
O'Neill's bravery was rare among hometown defenders. He was honored in 1813 with a sword inscribed "to the Gallant O'Neill for his valor at Havre de Grace." A century later, the town dedicated the John ONeill Cannon Memorial to this local hero.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses, and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 3, 1813.
Location. 39° 32.447′ N, 76° 5.131′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Post U.S. Lighthouse Service Use (here, next to this marker); The Keepers (a few steps from this marker); Adding On (a few steps from this marker); Did you Know? (a few steps from this marker); Concord Point Lighthouse Grounds (a few steps from this marker); Keeper of the Light (a few steps from this marker); Keeper's House (a few
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013
2. Hero's Reward Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Adding On (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Did You Know? (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Concord Point Lighthouse (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013
3. Tributes
O'Neill's bravery was rare among hometown defenders. He was honored in 1813 with a sword incribed "to the Gallant O'Neill for his valor at Havre de Grace." A century later, the town dedicated the John O'Neill Cannon Memorial to this local hero.Close-up of photo on marker
Maryland Historical Society
Maryland Historical Society
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013
4. Concord Point Lighthouse Keeper's House
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 30, 2012
5. Concord Point Lighthouse
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013
6. John O'Neill Cannon Monument
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013
7. John O'Neill Cannon Monument
This cannon of the War of 1812
marks the site of the battery on Concord Point
where
John O'Neill
1769-1838
served the guns single handed during the
British attack upon Havre de Grace
May 3, 1813 until disabled and captured.
He was released from the British frigate Maid Stone through the intercession of his young daughter, Matilda, to whom Admiral Cockburn gave his gold-mounted snuff-box in a token of her heroism. As a tribute to the gallant conduct of her father, the citizens of Philadelphia presented to him a handsome sword.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,240 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on December 31, 2020, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 9, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
