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

Attack at Frenchtown

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, April 3, 2013

1. Attack at Frenchtown Marker

Inscription. Frenchtown, on the Elk River, was struck on the morning of April 29, 1813. Rear Admiral Cockburn attempted a surprise attack and was greeted with a barrage from the town's battery. The guns had little effect and the British landed and burned the government supply houses.

The citizens of nearby Elkton had prepared by building defensive batteries and stretching a chain across the Elk River. After attempting an attack on the same day, British were not able to get close enough and returned to their base near Spesutia Island.

War of 1812 British Attacks: Upper Bay
1. Frenchtown: April 29, 1813
2. Elkton: defended April 29, 1813
3. Havre de Grace: May 3, 1813
4. Bell's Ferry: May 3, 1813
5. Port Deposit: defended May 3, 1813
6. Principio Iron Foundry: May 3, 1813
7. Georgetown: May 6, 1813
8. Fredericktown: May 6, 1813

[Painting]
This 1806 watercolor by Benjamin Henry Latrobe depicts Frenchtown, looking up the Elk River from a wharf where Americans established a gun battery in 1813.
Image courtesy Maryland Historical Society.

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 date for this entry is April 29, 1813.

Location.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

39° 32.366′ N, 76° 5.174′ 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 between Tydings Park and the Lighthouse. 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. Lure of the Chesapeake (within shouting distance of this marker); Luxury on the Bay (within shouting distance of this marker); A Crucial Connection (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Our Wetland Home (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Perfect Location (about 300 feet away); Birds by the Bay (about 300 feet away); Screaming Rockets (about 400 feet away); Aids to Navigation Fog Bell (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Havre de Grace.

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, April 3, 2013

2. Attack at Frenchtown Marker

Overlooking the mouth of the Susquehanna River.

Map of towns attacked by British. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, April 3, 2013

3. Map of towns attacked by British.

Watercolor on marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, April 3, 2013

4. Watercolor on marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 582 times since then and 24 times this year. Last updated on December 8, 2020, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 5, 2013, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.