Worcester County Maryland

A Historical Overview of Worcester County, Maryland

Worcester County, the easternmost county in Maryland, boasts a rich history shaped by Native American heritage, colonial expansion, maritime industries, agriculture, and tourism. Established in 1742, it is home to Ocean City, Maryland’s premier beach destination, as well as historic towns such as Snow Hill (the county seat) and Pocomoke City. The county’s economy and culture have been influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and Pocomoke River, making it a significant area in Maryland’s past and present.

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

Before European settlement, Worcester County was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, particularly the Assateague and Pocomoke tribes, who were part of the larger Algonquian-speaking peoples.

  • The Assateague people lived along the barrier islands and coastal marshes, relying on fishing, hunting, and farming for sustenance.
  • The Pocomoke people, who lived along the Pocomoke River, were known for their canoe-building skills and trade networks.
  • These tribes engaged in trade with other Native American groups along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coast.

Following European arrival, Native populations declined due to disease, displacement, and conflict, particularly after the mid-1600s as English settlers moved into the area.

Colonial Settlement and the Formation of Worcester County (1600s–1742)

Early European Exploration and Settlement

  • Worcester County was originally part of Somerset County, which was established in 1666.
  • English settlers were attracted to the region for its fertile farmland, waterways, and timber resources.
  • The county’s early economy relied on tobacco farming, shipbuilding, and trade.

The Founding of Worcester County (1742)

  • Worcester County was officially created in 1742, when it was separated from Somerset County to better serve its growing population.
  • Snow Hill was chosen as the county seat, as it was an important port town on the Pocomoke River.
  • The county was named after the Earl of Worcester, a title in the British peerage.

During this period, large plantations developed, worked by enslaved African Americans, and maritime industries thrived along the coast and rivers.

The American Revolution and Early National Period (1775–1800s)

Worcester’s Role in the Revolution

  • The people of Worcester County were generally supportive of the Patriot cause during the American Revolution.
  • Snow Hill and Pocomoke City became centers for supplies and troops, aiding in the war effort.
  • Privateers from the Eastern Shore attacked British merchant ships along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coast.

Economic Growth and Expansion

  • After the Revolution, Worcester County continued to rely on agriculture, timber, and maritime industries.
  • The Pocomoke River served as a major transportation route for goods such as lumber, seafood, and grain.
  • Shipbuilding and fishing became key industries in towns like Snow Hill and Pocomoke City.

The Civil War and Late 19th Century (1861–1900)

A Divided County During the Civil War

  • Maryland remained in the Union during the Civil War, but Worcester County, like much of the Eastern Shore, was divided in loyalty.
  • The county’s economy was tied to both agriculture and maritime trade, with some sympathizing with the Confederacy due to economic ties with the South.
  • There were no major battles in Worcester County, but the area saw Union and Confederate supporters clashing politically and economically.

Post-War Growth and the Rise of Tourism

  • Following the war, the economy shifted from plantation-based agriculture to more diversified farming, including wheat, corn, and seafood harvesting.
  • The railroad arrived in Worcester County in the late 1800s, improving transportation and commerce.
  • In 1875, the town of Ocean City was founded, marking the beginning of the county’s future as a tourist destination.

The 20th Century: Industrialization, Tourism, and Modernization

The Growth of Ocean City (1900s–Present)

  • Ocean City grew from a small fishing village to Maryland’s most popular beach resort.
  • The construction of the first boardwalk in 1900 and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 1952 made Worcester County more accessible to tourists.
  • Hurricane Hazel (1954) damaged much of Ocean City but led to modern rebuilding and expansion.
  • By the late 20th century, Ocean City had transformed into a major vacation destination, with thousands of visitors flocking to the beach every summer.

Agriculture and Industry in the 1900s

  • Worcester County remained a major producer of corn, soybeans, and poultry.
  • Seafood processing and commercial fishing remained important, with crabbing and oyster harvesting playing major roles in the economy.
  • The county also saw the rise of timber and paper industries, particularly along the Pocomoke River.

World Wars and Economic Shifts

  • Worcester County contributed to both World War I and World War II by providing troops, food supplies, and shipbuilding materials.
  • The U.S. Naval Air Station at Chincoteague (near the Maryland-Virginia border) played a role in military training.
  • After World War II, tourism became the dominant industry, surpassing agriculture and fishing.

Key Historical Landmarks and Attractions

  1. Assateague Island National Seashore – Home to the famous wild ponies, a historic coastal landscape shaped by centuries of storms and settlement.
  2. Snow Hill Historic District – Features colonial-era buildings, historic churches, and 18th-century homes.
  3. Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum – Preserves the history of 19th-century iron production in the area.
  4. Pocomoke River State Park – A historic waterway that played a major role in trade and commerce.
  5. Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum – Showcases the history of shipwrecks, life-saving efforts, and Ocean City’s growth.
  6. St. Martin’s Church (1744) – One of the oldest churches in the region, reflecting early religious life in Worcester County.

Conclusion

Worcester County has evolved from Native American lands and colonial settlements into a region defined by maritime industries, agriculture, and tourism. With the growth of Ocean City, it has become one of Maryland’s most visited areas, while still maintaining its historic charm and deep cultural heritage in towns like Snow Hill and Pocomoke City.

Thank you for visiting our website! We appreciate your time and support. Before you go, check out our exclusive Worcester 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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