Wicomico County Maryland

A Historical Overview of Wicomico County, Maryland

Wicomico County, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, has a rich history shaped by Native American presence, colonial settlement, agriculture, industry, and maritime trade. Created in 1867, it is one of the newest counties in Maryland, but its historical roots stretch back centuries. Salisbury, the county seat and largest city, has long been an economic and cultural hub of the Delmarva Peninsula.

Early History and Native American Presence (Pre-1600s)

Before European exploration, the land that became Wicomico County was home to Indigenous peoples, including the Nanticoke tribe.

  • The Nanticoke and other Algonquian-speaking groups lived along the Wicomico River and Chesapeake Bay tributaries.
  • They practiced fishing, hunting, and agriculture, cultivating crops such as corn, beans, and squash.
  • Trade networks extended along the Chesapeake Bay, connecting the region to other Native communities.
  • The name Wicomico comes from the Algonquian word meaning "a place where houses are built", reflecting the region's long history of settlement.

However, as European settlers arrived in the 1600s, Native populations declined due to disease, displacement, and conflict.

Colonial Settlement and Economic Growth (1600s–1700s)

English Arrival and Land Grants

  • In the early 17th century, English settlers arrived, drawn by the fertile land and access to waterways.
  • The area was originally part of Somerset and Worcester Counties before becoming its own entity in 1867.
  • Plantations and small farms were established, relying on tobacco, corn, and wheat as staple crops.
  • The Wicomico River became an essential trade and transportation route for exporting goods.

Salisbury’s Founding (1732)

  • Salisbury was founded in 1732 at the head of the Wicomico River, serving as a port town and commercial center.
  • The town was named after Salisbury, England, reflecting the English heritage of many settlers.
  • Shipbuilding and trade became key industries, with Salisbury shipping tobacco, timber, and seafood to other colonies and Europe.

Revolutionary War and Early American Period (1775–1800s)

Support for the Patriot Cause

  • While Maryland was a divided colony, many residents of the region supported the American Revolution.
  • Salisbury and surrounding areas supplied troops, food, and materials to the Continental Army.
  • Privateers from the Eastern Shore attacked British merchant ships in the Chesapeake Bay.

Economic and Agricultural Expansion

  • After the war, the county saw growth in grain farming, shipbuilding, and milling industries.
  • The Wicomico River remained a key commercial route, with Salisbury growing into a major market town.
  • Timber, seafood, and agricultural products fueled the local economy.

The Civil War and Wicomico’s Creation (1861–1867)

Divided Loyalties and Local Impact

  • Like much of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Wicomico County had divided loyalties during the Civil War.
  • While Maryland remained in the Union, many residents sympathized with the Confederacy.
  • The county saw no major battles, but Salisbury was a key strategic point for Union forces controlling Eastern Shore supply routes.

Formation of Wicomico County (1867)

  • Wicomico County was officially created on February 18, 1867, from parts of Somerset and Worcester Counties.
  • The county was formed due to political and economic disagreements, with residents in the Salisbury area pushing for a more centralized local government.
  • Salisbury was named the county seat, solidifying its status as a regional center.

Economic Development and Industrialization (Late 1800s–Early 1900s)

Railroads and Commerce

  • The arrival of the Delmarva Railroad in the 1880s transformed the county’s economy, connecting it to major markets in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York.
  • Salisbury became a transportation hub, leading to rapid industrialization and urbanization.
  • Lumber mills, canneries, and seafood packing businesses flourished.

Agriculture and Poultry Industry

  • By the early 20th century, Wicomico County became a leader in poultry farming.
  • The poultry industry boomed after the 1920s, with Salisbury at the center of Maryland’s chicken production.
  • Frank Perdue, founder of Perdue Farms, helped transform the county into a national leader in poultry processing.

World Wars, Civil Rights, and Modernization (1900s–Present)

World War I and World War II Contributions

  • Wicomico County contributed to both World Wars by supplying troops, food, and war materials.
  • Salisbury became a hub for shipbuilding and manufacturing during these conflicts.

The Civil Rights Movement and Social Change

  • Like much of Maryland, Wicomico County experienced racial segregation and Jim Crow laws in the early 20th century.
  • The Civil Rights Movement led to desegregation of schools and businesses in Salisbury and surrounding communities.
  • By the 1970s and 1980s, the county saw economic and social progress, with growing African American political representation.

Recent History and Economic Shifts

  • Wicomico County remains a major agricultural and commercial center in Maryland.
  • Salisbury is home to Salisbury University, a key institution for education and research.
  • The county’s economy is now a mix of agriculture, healthcare, tourism, and retail.

Key Historical Landmarks and Attractions

  1. Pemberton Hall (1741) – A historic plantation house reflecting early colonial life.
  2. Poplar Hill Mansion (1795) – The oldest house in Salisbury, showcasing Federal-period architecture.
  3. Salisbury Historic District – Features 19th and early 20th-century buildings.
  4. Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art – Celebrating the Eastern Shore’s decoy carving tradition.
  5. Whitehaven Ferry (1685) – One of the oldest continuously operating ferries in the U.S.
  6. Wicomico County Courthouse (1878) – A historic landmark reflecting the county’s founding.

Conclusion

Wicomico County, though one of Maryland’s youngest counties, has a deep and diverse history rooted in Native American heritage, colonial settlement, maritime trade, and agriculture. From its founding in 1867 to its role as a modern economic and cultural center of the Eastern Shore, Wicomico County has played an essential part in Maryland’s history.

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

Click HERE to grab yours today!

Back to blog