The Haven of Grace

At the Northern tip of the Chesapeake Bay lies the town of Havre de Grace. Originally, it was known as Harmer's Town but General Marquis de La Fayette visited the town during the American Revolution and commented that it reminded him of the French town Le Havre. The citizens renamed it because of the General. 

In the second year of the War of 1812, Havre de Grace was attacked by Rear Admiral George Cockburn. The Admiral vowed to attack any town that showed resistance. Havre de Grace was flying the American flag, resulting in an attack. 

Second Lieutenant John O'Neill attempted to prevent the British from attacking the town by manning a cannon, but he was captured.  Much of the town was destroyed but there was only one civilian killed. 

While O'Neill was captured, he was released. Upon his return to Havre de Grace, the town honored him by making him the Concord Lighthouse keeper. His family continued to be the caretakers until the 1900s. The lighthouse is the northernmost lighthouse on the bay and is no longer a functioning lighthouse.