Maritime

The history of Havre de Grace is intimately entwined with the water. From the Native peoples who relied on the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay for food and travel, to later residents who made their living fishing for shad and rockfish, hunting waterfowl in the surrounding wetlands, or moving goods and people by boat, the river has always shaped daily life.

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Ice was once harvested from the frozen Susquehanna in winter, and duck hunting brought national attention to the area - making Havre de Grace famous for its skilled decoy carvers. For generations, the water provided both sustenance and economic opportunity.

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While those industries have faded, the river remains at the heart of the community. Local residents, deeply tied to the water, have proudly embraced the nickname “River Rat,” a reflection of their enduring connection to the river. Today, its calm beauty draws boaters, anglers, photographers, and visitors from near and far.