WORCESTER COUNTY
Transcribed by Denise Wells
Worcester county, in the extreme southeastern portion of the Eastern Shore, is the only county in Maryland that borders on the Atlantic, and contains Maryland's only seaside. Its area is 475 square miles. The soil is greatly diversified, varying from the unproductive to that which is very fertile. Generally, however, if not naturally fertile, it is of a character easily made susceptible of improvement and a high degree of productiveness. Some sections, notably those near the borders of the Pocomoke river, which runs through the length of the county, and also the newly cleared swamp lands, often yield from 50 to 100 bushels of corn per acre. The most valuable lands, perhaps are those with a surface of light loam and red clay subsoil, which occupy the largest area. This kind of soil is entirely destitute of rocks, easily cultivated, yielding, with the application of barnyard manure, compost, or some commercial fertilizer, remunerative crops of cereals, and of every variety of produce found in this latitude. Many years ago tobacco was raised, but, except to a limited extent, this has long since been abandoned for the staple grains-corn, wheat, oats and rye. The land is eminently adapted for the cultivation of vegetables, including sweet and irish potatoes, peas, beans, melons, &c., large quantities of which are annually raised and shipped to the cities of Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York. Perhaps no section east of the Mississippi river is more favorable to the successful culture of the larger and smaller fruits, such as apples, peaches, pears, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, &c. According to the census of 1890, the population of the county was 19,747, divided as follows: whites, 12,893; colored, 6,854.
The capabilities of Worcester county lands in the directions indicated, as to extent of acreage and all the favorable incidents of adaptation, are not half utilized. Clover, timothy, orchard grass, alfalfa and all the grasses are successfully grown and used for hay or pasturage. On the seaside farms, which border the county on one side for a distance of 40 miles, are hundreds of acres of salt marsh, in a considerable degree covered with a natural grass, luxuriant and valuable, furnishing pasture range for large herds of stock and rich hay for animals in winter quarters. The rivers, bays and creeks abound with fish, shad, herring, perch, rock, trout, drum, sheepshead, &c. The oyster industry is extensive and important, giving employment to thousands and supplying a profitable source of investment. The oysters of Worcester county waters are superior to the Chesapeak bivalve, and have a reputation of their own in the great cities where they are prized as a delicious luxury by the epicure. The commercial facilities of the county are very good. Assateague bay, with inlet at Chincoteague, Va., is navigated by schooners of fair size, engaged in trade with Philadelphia, New York, Boston and other seaports. The Pocomoke river, as already stated, traverses the county, and though narrow and crooked, it has a good, deep channel, affording good commercial facilities from Snow Hill, the county town and head of navigation, and from all points along its course to the Chesapeake. The steamer Tangier plies regularly between Snow Hill and places on the river, stopping at Onancock, Va., and Crisfield, Md., and the city of Baltimore, making two trips weekly. The Tangier is a commodious boat, carrying large amounts of produce, consisting mainly of potatoes and fruit, and returning with freight of every description.
Besides Snow Hill, which has a population of 1,483, an increase of 16.22 per cent, since the census of 1880, the principal towns are Berlin, in the northern part of the county, and Pocomoke city, on Pocomoke river, in the southern part. These towns and several smaller villages are directly on railroads, affording daily communication with Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York.
Besides canning establishments and steam mills for sawing, dressing and manufacturing lumber, these towns have other industries. There is quite a large factory for weaving cottonyarn at Snow Hill, and another for making whips of different sorts. Pocomoke City, which has a population of 1,866, an increase of 30.95 per cent. since the census of 1880, is largely engaged in manufacturing doors, windows, mantels, brackets, &c. This town has many advantages, and is a neat, enterprising and thrifty place, has the electric light, and is under excellent corporate management. It is only a few hours' travel from Pocomoke City to Norfolk and Fortress Monroe, Va., with trains constantly going to those points and the great cities.
Near Berlin, and immediately on the Atlantic Ocean, is the seaside resort Ocean City, famous for its beauty and salubrity, and popular with citizens of Baltimore, Philadelphia and Delaware.
Land in Worcester County generally is cheap, prices varying according to locality and quality, from $5 to $50.
Agricultural implements of improved kinds are coming more and more into general use. Every season there is an increased demand for reapers, mowers, drills, planters, harrows, &c.
Much more interest is manifested in improved stock than formerly. This remark includes all varieties of stock-horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. In some isolated places in remote points of the county, where formerly stock of all kinds was of the most inferior grade, may now be found on farms belonging to the poorest farmers, specimens of cattle that would not be a discredit to a herd in the best parts of New York or Pennsylvania.
SOURCE: Scharf, J. Thomas, "The natural & industrial resources and advantages of Maryland: being a complete description of all counties of the state and the city of Baltimore: together with an accurate statement of their soil, climate, antiquities, raw and manufactured products, agricultural and horticultural products, textile fabrics, alimentary products, manufacturing industries, minerals and ores, mines and mining, native woods, means of transportation, price of land, cheap living, ready markets, excellent homes, and the material and social advantages and unequaled opportunities Maryland possesses for those seeking homes, and for capitalists who wish to invest in industries that are sure to pay big dividends," C.H. Baughman & Co., Publisher, 1892; pps. 110-113.