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

MISSING

SEE LOCATION SECTION

Out of the Flames

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, April 3, 2013

1. Out of the Flames Marker

Inscription.
Rodgers House miraculously survived the 1813 burning of Havre de Grace. Dating from 1788, this is the town's oldest documented structure.

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 date for this entry is June 23, 1812.

Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 39° 32.973′ N, 76° 5.384′ W. Marker was in

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Havre de Grace, Maryland, in Harford County. It was at the intersection of North Washington Street and St. John Street, on the left when traveling south on North Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 234 N Washington St, Havre de Grace MD 21078, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the Baltimore Metro Region

and in Central Maryland.

It was also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

in the Chesapeake Bay Region,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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 location: Geo Washington Traveled This Road (here, next to this marker); Rochambeau Plaza (here, next to this marker); Havre De Grace, Maryland / March To Victory (within shouting distance of this marker); War in the Chesapeake (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); "O! say can you see…"

Photographed by Adam Margolis

2. Out of the Flames Marker

(about 500 feet away); "The People of Havre de Grace" (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Geo Washington Traveled This Road (about 700 feet away); No Respect (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Havre de Grace.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Surprise Attack (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed).

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.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, April 3, 2013

3. Out of the Flames Marker

Photographed by Adam Margolis

4. Out of the Flames Marker