Somerset County Maryland

A Historical Overview of Somerset County, Maryland

Somerset County, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is the southernmost county in the state. Founded in 1666, it has a rich history tied to colonial settlement, agriculture, slavery, maritime industries, and higher education. Somerset County has played an important role in Maryland’s colonial history, the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the development of the Chesapeake Bay region. Today, it remains a rural and historic area with strong ties to fishing, crabbing, and agriculture.

Early Indigenous History (Pre-1600s)

Before European settlers arrived, Algonquian-speaking tribes inhabited the area, particularly the Accohannock and Pocomoke tribes.

  • These Indigenous peoples lived along the rivers and marshlands, practicing fishing, farming, and trade.
  • They navigated the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, establishing a sustainable way of life.

By the early 1600s, the arrival of European explorers and settlers led to the displacement of many Indigenous communities through land encroachment and disease.

Colonial Settlement and Founding (1666–1700s)

Establishment of Somerset County

  • Somerset County was officially established in 1666 and named after Mary Somerset, the wife of Sir John Somerset, a supporter of Lord Baltimore.
  • The county was part of Lord Baltimore’s Maryland colony, which was founded on the principles of religious tolerance and economic opportunity.
  • Early settlers were mostly English and Scottish, with some Irish and Welsh immigrants.

Agriculture and Tobacco Economy

  • The county quickly became a center for tobacco farming, which was the dominant cash crop in colonial Maryland.
  • Tobacco plantations depended on the labor of indentured servants and, later, enslaved Africans.
  • The county’s location along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries made it an ideal place for shipping agricultural goods to England.

Religious and Social Development

  • Somerset County was home to Anglicans, Catholics, and Quakers, and later, Methodists and Baptists.
  • The first churches were established in the late 1600s, with Old Trinity Church (built in 1675) being one of the oldest Anglican churches in the U.S.
  • Religious tolerance in Maryland allowed diverse faith communities to take root in Somerset County.

The American Revolution and Early Statehood (1775–1800s)

Support for the Patriot Cause

  • While Maryland had Loyalist and Patriot factions, Somerset County largely supported American independence.
  • Many local men joined Maryland militia units and fought against the British.
  • The county’s ports and waterways were crucial for supplying the Patriot war effort.

Economic Shifts

  • After the war, the decline of the British tobacco market forced many farmers to diversify, leading to a rise in wheat, corn, and livestock farming.
  • Fishing and shipbuilding became more important economic activities.

The War of 1812 and British Raids (1812–1815)

Coastal Threats

  • Somerset County’s coastal location made it vulnerable to British naval attacks during the War of 1812.
  • British ships raided local farms, burned buildings, and seized supplies from Chesapeake Bay communities.
  • The county’s residents formed militia units to defend their homes, although they were often outmatched by British forces.

Slavery, the Civil War, and Emancipation (1850s–1865)

Slavery in Somerset County

  • By the mid-1800s, Somerset County had a large enslaved population, working on tobacco and grain plantations.
  • Enslaved and free African Americans also worked in shipbuilding, fishing, and oyster harvesting.
  • Harriet Tubman, the famous Underground Railroad conductor, had connections to enslaved people in Somerset County and helped many escape north.

Divided Loyalties in the Civil War

  • Maryland was a border state, and Somerset County had both Confederate sympathizers and Union supporters.
  • Some residents fought for the Confederacy, while others joined the Union Army.
  • The Union imposed martial law in Maryland to keep it from seceding, which caused tensions.

Emancipation and the End of Slavery

  • Maryland abolished slavery in 1864, a year before the 13th Amendment.
  • The formerly enslaved established African American communities, churches, and schools throughout Somerset County.

Post-Civil War Era and Economic Development (1865–1900s)

Rise of the Seafood Industry

  • The county’s location along the Chesapeake Bay led to a boom in oystering, crabbing, and fishing.
  • Watermen harvested oysters, blue crabs, and fish, which were shipped to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and beyond.
  • Crisfield, a small town in Somerset County, became known as the "Seafood Capital of the World" due to its thriving oyster industry.

Education and the Founding of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore

  • In 1886, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) was founded in Princess Anne as a historically Black college.
  • Originally known as the Delaware Conference Academy, it became a major institution for higher education for African Americans.
  • Today, UMES remains an important part of the county’s educational and cultural landscape.

20th Century: Industrialization and Modernization

World Wars and Economic Shifts

  • During World War I and World War II, Somerset County contributed to war efforts through agriculture and seafood production.
  • The post-war period saw a decline in small farming due to industrialization and the rise of large-scale agribusiness.

Decline of the Oyster Industry

  • Overfishing and pollution in the Chesapeake Bay led to a severe decline in oyster populations by the mid-20th century.
  • The local economy had to shift towards tourism, poultry farming, and modern aquaculture.

Somerset County Today: A Balance of Tradition and Progress

Preserving Historic Landmarks

The county has preserved many historical sites, including:

  • Old Trinity Church (1675)
  • Teackle Mansion (1802) in Princess Anne
  • Deal Island and Smith Island, known for watermen culture

The Somerset County Historical Society continues to promote local history.

Economic and Cultural Life

  • Agriculture remains a key industry, with corn, soybeans, and poultry farming.
  • Tourism focuses on fishing, hunting, and Chesapeake Bay heritage.
  • Smith Island, Maryland’s only inhabited offshore island, is famous for Smith Island Cake, the state dessert.

Conclusion

Somerset County, with its rich colonial history, maritime traditions, and deep cultural roots, remains a vital part of Maryland’s Eastern Shore heritage. From its origins as a tobacco colony to its rise as a seafood powerhouse, the county has seen economic shifts, cultural diversity, and historical resilience.

Thank you for visiting our website! We appreciate your time and support. Before you go, check out our exclusive Somerset County MD Flag Tumbler—a perfect way to show off your Maryland pride while keeping your drinks at the perfect temperature.

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