Stephen Tyng Mather

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.