Havre de Grace

Havre de Grace is a city in Harford County where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay in the state of Maryland. The waterfront boardwalk runs along the water and connects several parks and historic buildings overlooking the river and bay.

The settlement was founded in 1785 as a port town and grew into an important trading point at the upper end of the Chesapeake Bay. British troops destroyed much of the town by fire and bombardment during an attack in May 1813.

The French name means harbor of grace and dates back to the founding era when Lafayette visited the town. Today visitors can walk along the promenade and watch locals tend their boats or fish from the docks.

Most paths along the water are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs and offer benches for resting. Weekends and pleasant weather bring more visitors, while early morning or late afternoon hours tend to be quieter.

A single defender delayed the British attack long enough for most residents to evacuate their homes safely. His descendants later tended the local lighthouse for several generations as recognition of this act.

Location: Harford County

Inception: 1785

Elevation above the sea: 17 m

Shares border with: Port Deposit

Website: http://havredegracemd.com

GPS coordinates: 39.54830,-76.09750

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:05