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

Home Base

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, April 3, 2013

1. Home Base Marker

Inscription. Five days before the 1813 attack on Havre de Grace, British ships anchored at Spesutia Island, just south of here. Island residents were "greatly terrified" upon their arrival, but were assured they would not be harmed. The Royal Navy used the anchorage off the island as their "home base," returning after each of their attacks in the Upper Bay.

"On the 28th of April, a brig and two or three schooners came to anchor in the bay, a little below Havre de Grace... On the next morning another brig and schooners joined those which came up the day before."
-Jared Sparks, North American Review and Miscellaneous Journal 14, 1817

Spesutia Island was owned in 1813 by William Smith, who was directly related to Major General Samuel Smith, commander of the defense of Baltimore in 1814. Today the land is part of Aberdeen Proving Ground.

From Havre de Grace, citizens could see the ships anchored at Spesutia Island prior to the War of 1812 attack. This view is from the hill behind where you stand, with a ghost image of today's modern promenade that lines the shore.

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 year for this entry is 1813.

Location. 39°

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32.29′ N, 76° 5.319′ W. Marker is in Havre de Grace, Maryland, in Harford County. Marker can be reached from Commerce Street. Marker is on the Havre de Grace Promenade at Tidings Park Marina. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Havre de Grace MD 21078, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway (a few steps from this marker); Enjoy the Havre de Grace Promenade (a few steps from this marker); State of Readiness (within shouting distance of this marker); Capt. Anthony J. Synodinos & 1st Lt. Edward G. Conrad, (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Havre de Grace War Memorial (about 300 feet away); The Bayou (about 300 feet away); Votes for Women (about 400 feet away); Ernest Burke (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Havre de Grace.

Home Base Marker overlooking the Chesapeake Bay image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, April 3, 2013

2. Home Base Marker overlooking the Chesapeake Bay

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013

3. Home Base Marker

Spesutia Island in the distance

Spesutia Island image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013

4. Spesutia Island

Spesutia Island was owned in 1813 by William Smith, who was directly related to Major General Samuel Smith, commander of the defense of Baltimore in 1814. Today the land is part of Aberdeen Proving Ground.Close-up of Photo on marker

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2013

5. Ghost Image

From Havre de Grace, citizens could see the ships anchored at Spesutia Island prior to the War of 1812 attack. This view is from the hill behind where you stand, with a ghost image of today's modern promenade that lines the shore. Close-up of Bill Watson's painting on marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 600 times since then and 11 times this year. Last updated on April 11, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 5, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 29, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.