Havre de Grace in Harford County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Surprise Attack
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, July 12, 2012
1. Surprise Attack Marker
Cannon and rocket fire shook residents of Havre de Grace from their sleep as the British attacked at dawn May 3, 1813. An eyewitness reported: "Distressed people, women and children half naked" ran from their homes. The local militia fled, too, overwhelmed by 19 barges carrying 400 enemy troops. The attackers burned and plundered the town, torching 40 of the 62 homes.
The British then crossed into Cecil County and destroyed Principio Iron Works before re-boarding their ships the same day. The Principio Foundry produced cannon for Maryland privateers and the U.S. Navy. As "one of the most valuable Works of its Kind in America," it was an important British objective in the Upper Bay.
"The enemy robbed every house of everything valuable that could be carried away...and what they could not take conveniently they destroyed..."
- Eyewitness account in Baltimore Niles' Weekly Register, May 22, 1813
[Sidebar:]
Nearby places to learn more about the War of 1812 in the Upper Bay:
Elkton Visitor Center - Information on Elk Landing, and the town that twice fended off the British
Rodgers Tavern, Perryville - Owned by family of Commodore John Rodgers; views of Upper Bay, access to the Susquehanna River
Historic Elk Landing - Site of Fort Hollingsworth, a defensive earthwork that protected Elkton
Lower Susquehanna Scenic Byway - 33-mile driving route from Havre de Grace to Perryville, including the historic mill and recreational features at Susquehanna State Park
Havre de Grace Visitor Center - Information about local 1812 sites
Erected by National
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1901.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 39° 32.92′ N, 76° 5.451′ W. Marker was in Havre de Grace, Maryland, in Harford County. It was on Pennington Avenue west of North Lodge, on the right when traveling east. The marker stands at the Havre de Grace Visitor's Center. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 125 N Union Ave, Havre de Grace MD 21078, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
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: War in the Chesapeake (here, next to this marker); "O! say can you see " (here, next to this marker); "The People of Havre de Grace" (a few steps from this marker); Havre De Grace, Maryland / March To Victory (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); No Respect (about 400 feet away); Rochambeau Plaza (about 500 feet away); Geo Washington Traveled This Road (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Geo Washington Traveled This Road (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Havre de Grace.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Out of the Flames (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 779 times since then and 49 times this year. Last updated on September 25, 2026, by Kevin Vincent of Arlington, Virginia. Photo 1. submitted on September 27, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?
