Friday Facts: Havre de Grace
Introducing EAGB's new series: FRIDAY FACTS. This is our chance to tell unique stories about our Region through some little-known facts. First up:
Havre de Grace was one vote away from becoming the permanent capital of the United States
Harford County's beautiful Havre de Grace, Maryland lost a tie-breaking vote to (the future) Washington DC in 1791. The criteria for the capital: “some convenient place, as near the center of wealth, population and extent of territory as may be consistent with convenience to the navigation of the Atlantic Ocean, and having due regard to the particular situation of the western country.”
The Potomac River location was rivaled only by Havre de Grace's spot on the great Susquehanna. In the end, southern interests got their wish despite Havre de Grace's proximity to centers of wealth and population (Baltimore & Philadelphia). But don't fret, Baltimoreans... Baltimore's City Hall is *exactly* the same driving distance from downtown Havre de Grace or the White House: 41.7 miles!