Haverford's Role in The Second War of Independence

During this Memorial Day weekend, it is worth remembering the role our township played in the defense of liberty. 

Did you know that the War of 1812 is often referred to as the United States' "second war of independence?" It is the war where our young nation tested its mettle a second time against the British Empire and won. It is also the war that produced our national anthem, the "Star Spangled Banner." 

"....And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there...."

One might wonder if the rockets glare would have been so bright, or whether the bombs would have burst in the air without the 800,000 pounds of gun powder that our very own Nitre Hall Mills produced during this war. 

Nitre Hall Mills produced a quality and quantity of black powder in the U.S. second only to the Dupont Mills on the Brandywine. Think about that for a minute. Right along Karakung Drive, you can find the remnants of an old powder magazine that very well may have housed the very gun powder used in the rockets and bombs that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner!

On Sunday, June 3,  from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. is our 6th annual Heritage Festival.  Come step into history with us along Karakung Drive near Nitre Hall.  This year we will have a special display about the powder mills and their history. Find out about the lake that used to cover the neighborhood that is a stone's throw across Cobbs Creek near Lakeside (name makes sense now) and Karakung Drive.

Of course we will also have our pirates, 19th century "base ball" demonstrations, a real Civil War encampment, a scavenger hunt for the kids and a PLETHORA of activities, living historians, hands-on activities, antique fire arm demonstrations, artists and civic associations. 

And we have a wide range of musical acts as well, ranging from local ska band, The Eclectics, to the Irish folk rock of The Bloody Catholics, to the Mid Eastern music of Philly's Mid East Ensemble (including members of Baraka!); there really is something for everyone.

We hope you can come take a stroll Sunday June 3rd!  More information can be found at www.haverfordhistoricalsociety.org.