Anne in Havre de Grace (with “Lafayette”)
We traveled to Havre de Grace, Maryland to participate in their Bicentennial Celebration of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. Lafayette returned here for a second time on July 29, 1825 as part of that farewell tour. This is truly Lafayette country—the town name was even inspired by him!
Interestingly, this small town of just over 15,000 people almost became the capitol of our country. When deciding the location of the nation’s capitol, Havre de Grace lost to Washington by just one vote!
What’s in a Name
Lafayette sculpture in bronze by Gary Siegel
This is the nearly life-size statue of our favorite Frenchman standing proudly on Lafayette Square (where else) in Havre de Grace. The Marquis first visited here during a brief stop in 1782 when he was on his way to see General George Washington in Philadelphia. Lafayette was quite taken with this scenic location, situated where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay.
When he entered the harbor, Lafayette is said to have exclaimed, “C’est le Havre!” because it reminded him of the French port city Le Havre. After Lafayette departed, the townspeople decided to name the place Havre de Grace, in honor of the French city Le Havre, which was originally known as Le Havre de Grâce. However, you don’t have to worry about struggling with a French accent—Havre de Grace is simply pronounced HAV-er-dee-grace. (Not nearly as pretty as the French version but easier to say.)
Spencer Silver Mansion
We were fortunate enough to stay at Spencer Silver Mansion, a lovely B & B with a very charming proprieter named Carol Nemeth. In fact, she is the one who first invited me here. This is another story about the power of word of mouth.
A Bethlehem woman who attended one of my author talks later made a weekend trip to Havre de Grace. She also stayed at Spencer Silver Mansion and told Carol about my book. Carol was intrigued, and when she met with the town’s Bicentennial committee, she suggested they invite me to join the celebration. And that’s how I ended up in Havre de Grace, my first out-of-state appearance.
I knew I was in the right place when I spotted a Moravian star in the turret on top of the mansion’s roof. Carol had visited Bethlehem, fell in love with the stars, and brought two home with her. The other one hangs in the front porch, providing a real Moravian welcome to her guests.
The interior of the mansion was as stunning as the outside. I especially loved the original stained glass. The mansion was built in 1896, so it provided wonderful inspiration for me for my next book Women of Steel.
The Lafayette Trail
Naturally, I had to walk the Lafayette Trail with these gorgeous plaques embedded in the sidewalks, showing me the way.
This is a lovely walkable town, and the trail included Concord Point Lighthouse, Maryland’s second oldest lighthouse; a marvelous rockfish sculpture called Big Fish, School of Fish by Thomas Sterner; and many marvelous historic homes.
Bicentennial Celebration
Here I am, all decked out in my new Colonial outfit for the first time. I’d been told this town loves a party and that many people would be in costumes. It was so much fun to join in the spirit of the celebration, and Frank got into the act too!
I had a great time chatting with everyone and selling books. Unfortunately, the weather did not make it easy on us—a sweltering 100 degrees plus and high humidity, too.
Of course, the highlight of the trip was when “Lafayette,” aka Ben Goldman, sailed into the harbor, just as he did in 1782 and again two hundred years ago in 1825. (He’s the one waving his top hat.)
My number one goal for this trip was to have my picture taken with “Lafayette.” I got that and so much more—we had a great conversation and a good laugh, too. I’m sure he makes the real guy proud and is every bit as charming as I had hoped!
For More Information
To learn more about Havre de Grace: Explore Havre de Grace
To book a room at Spencer Silver Mansion B & B: Spencer Silver Mansion
To book Ben Goldman or other historical interpreters: American Historical Theater
Food and drink recommendations: Water Street Seafood and Hopkins Farm Brewery
