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The University of Maryland was founded in 1856: The University of Maryland, College Park, was founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College. Today, it is the flagship campus of the University System of Maryland and is one of the largest universities in the state.
About Worcester County
Worcester County Timeline
Worcester County, Maryland, located on the Delmarva Peninsula, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Assateague and Pocomoke peoples, who thrived off the area's fertile lands and bountiful waters. European explorers, including John Smith, visited the area in the 17th century, but it was English settlers who eventually established permanent colonies in the late 1600s.
In 1674, Worcester County was officially established as part of the Province of Maryland. The county was named after the English county of the same name, from which many early settlers originated. During the colonial period, agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, became the backbone of the local economy. The county also became an important center for trade, with thriving ports and numerous mills producing goods for export.
Worcester County played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, with many residents actively supporting the cause of independence. After the war, the county experienced a shift in its economic focus. The decline in tobacco cultivation led to a rise in the seafood industry, including fishing and oystering. These industries became primary sources of income for many local residents, and they continue to be major economic drivers in the county today.
In the 20th century, Worcester County went through a period of modernization, with the development of infrastructure, improved transportation, and the growth of tourism. Beach towns along the Atlantic Ocean, such as Ocean City, became popular vacation destinations, drawing visitors from all over the region. Today, Worcester County remains a vibrant and historic region, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and thriving tourism industry.
In 1674, Worcester County was officially established as part of the Province of Maryland. The county was named after the English county of the same name, from which many early settlers originated. During the colonial period, agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, became the backbone of the local economy. The county also became an important center for trade, with thriving ports and numerous mills producing goods for export.
Worcester County played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, with many residents actively supporting the cause of independence. After the war, the county experienced a shift in its economic focus. The decline in tobacco cultivation led to a rise in the seafood industry, including fishing and oystering. These industries became primary sources of income for many local residents, and they continue to be major economic drivers in the county today.
In the 20th century, Worcester County went through a period of modernization, with the development of infrastructure, improved transportation, and the growth of tourism. Beach towns along the Atlantic Ocean, such as Ocean City, became popular vacation destinations, drawing visitors from all over the region. Today, Worcester County remains a vibrant and historic region, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and thriving tourism industry.
Worcester County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Worcester County, Maryland.
- 1666 - Worcester County is established as part of the Province of Maryland.
- 1672 - The county's first courthouse is constructed in the settlement of Colliton.
- 1742 - The county seat is moved from Colliton to the newly established town of Snow Hill.
- 1791 - Worcester County becomes part of the newly formed state of Maryland.
- 1864 - Jarrettsville Pike, the first toll road in the county, opens.
- 1886 - The Pocomoke Sound Railroad is completed, connecting Snow Hill to the Eastern Shore Railroad.
- 1933 - The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is completed, providing a direct connection to the western shore of Maryland.
- 1996 - The Worcester County Library opens its new main branch in Berlin.