Havre de Grace in Harford County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Ernest Burke
Photographed By Adam Margolis
1. Ernest Burke Marker
On June 26th, 1924, Ernest Burke was born into the well-respected Burke family of Havre de Grace, MD. Ten years later, the death of both parents, the Depression, and regulation on the poor found him homeless.
Recognizing Ernest's physical strength, entrepreneurial spirit, and good nature, a Canadian family temporarily living in Havre de Grace took Ernest to Iberville, Quebec to live with them. Ernest graduated from high school in Canada but felt the call to serve his country, and was one of the first African-Americans to join the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II. It was here that his natural skill in baseball - pitching and hitting - was recognized. After the War, he joined the Baltimore Elite Giants, a Negro Leagues team, and became a professional baseball player.
Throughout his life, Burke mentored others with words of a healthy life and athletic strength, speaking to schools, Little Leaguers and the general public.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Sports • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is June 26, 1924.
Location. 39° 32.302′ N, 76° 5.406′ W. Marker is in Havre de Grace, Maryland, in Harford County. Marker can be reached from Commerce Street just east of South Lodge Street, on the right
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Havre de Grace War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Capt. Anthony J. Synodinos & 1st Lt. Edward G. Conrad, (within shouting distance of this marker); Votes for Women (within shouting distance of this marker); Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Enjoy the Havre de Grace Promenade (about 400 feet away); Home Base (about 400 feet away); State of Readiness (about 500 feet away); The Bayou (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Havre de Grace.
Photographed By Adam Margolis
2. Ernest Burke Marker
Photographed By Adam Margolis
3. Ernest Burke statue
Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 8, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 173 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 8, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
