The Lafayette Trail
The Lafayette Trail
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Photo By: John DoeButton
The Lafayette Trail is a continuous three-mile loop through the tree-lined streets of Havre de Grace. This self-guided tour begins at the Lockhouse Museum in the city’s North Park and winds throughout the historic district. The Trail is indicated by sidewalk fleur de lis trail markers along the way.
You will see numbered medallions embedded in the sidewalk. These denote numbered properties described in The Lafayette Trail brochure, available downtown at the Visitor Center on Pennington Avenue or in local stores or museums.
There are many other buildings both on and off the Trail that are worthy of viewing. Venture onto side streets and lanes (formerly called alleys) to see additional picturesque streetscapes and interesting structures.
Through out the city, look for summer kitchens (outbuildings with a chimney), carriage houses, outdoor ovens, barns and liveries of yesteryear.
These are seen mainly from the lanes or alleys. Enjoy the beautiful vistas of the Susquehanna River to the east and the Chesapeake Bay at the south end of town (where you can stroll the Promenade along the water).
As you follow the Lafayette Trail you will see but a small sample of the 800 historic structures in the city. This self-guided tour embraces our past and honors those who have walked before us.
The Trail was named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), the last surviving French General of the Revolutionary War, who volunteered his services to the struggling American Republic and visited Havre de Grace on August 15, 1824. A statue of Lafayette greets visitors at the entrance to the downtown area. Lafayette is revered by locals and is frequently attired in garb appropriate to local events. For our Mardi Gras Parade he shimmers in gold, purple, and green; when storms roll up the Bay he sports foul-weather gear; and for Homecoming he’s kept warm in the local Warriors’ scarves and hats.
Check out the app now on your mobile device by downloading the free Distrx mobile app from your app store, then open the app, tap “Tours”, then “Lafayette Trail”. Or pick up the rack card in the Visitor Center for more detailed information.
You will see current and historical pictures of each site on the Trail and hear narration by past famous citizens.