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

Matilda O'Neill Home

Photographed by R. C., December 8, 2009

1. Matilda O'Neill Home Marker

Inscription. During the War of 1812, the British sailed up the Chesapeake Bay. After laying siege to Washington, D.C. and burning the White House, and having been held at bay by the patriots in Baltimore, they proceeded to Havre de Grace. Most of the residents fled in fear, but Lt. John O'Neill single-handedly defended the town. He was wounded, captured, and imprisoned on the British ship Maidstone. The town was sacked, and burned, with only two houses and the Episcopal Church spared. O'Neill's fifteen year old daughter, Matilda, pleaded with the Admiral of the fleet for her father's life. Admiral Cockburn was so impressed by the girl's bravery that he released O'Neill unharmed, and rewarded Matilda by giving her his gold snuff box and sword.

Mr. O'Neill built this home for his daughter, Matilda, in 1822 and presented it to her as a wedding present. She sold the house to her brother William in 1842.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War of 1812 • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.

Location. 39° 33.089′ N, 76° 5.516′ W. Marker is in Havre de Grace, Maryland, in Harford County. It is on Union Avenue. Marker is attached to front of building, which is apparently a private residence. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 420 N Union Avenue, Havre de Grace MD 21078, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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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: Lafayette's Tour (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General Marquis De LaFayette (within shouting distance of this marker); Susquehanna Lower Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); American Legion Post No. 47 (within shouting distance of this marker); Susquehanna River Crossing (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Geo Washington Traveled This Road (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Susquehanna Lower Ferry (about 400 feet away); Under Attack (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Havre de Grace.

Photographed by R. C.

2. Matilda O'Neill Home Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2009, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,726 times since then and 85 times this year. Last updated on February 6, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2009, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.