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A Brief History Of Worcester County
The only Maryland County that touches the Atlantic Ocean, Worcester County was part of Somerset County until 1742, when Somerset County was divided and the eastern portion became Worcester County. It was named for the Earl of Worcester.  Originally populated by Native Americans, the County was explored by Giovanni de Verrazano in 1524. He described the log canoes, native dress and food of the local people as well as wild animals and the lack of stone in the area.
The land is like the previous one in situation, fertility, and beauty; the woods are sparse; the land is covered with different types of trees, but they are not so fragrant since it is more northern and cold. We saw there many vines growing wild, which climb up around the trees as they ado in Cisalpline Gaul: they would doubtless produce excellent wines if they were properly cultivated, for several times we found the dry fruit sweet and pleasant, not unlike our own. The people must value them, because wherever they grow, the bushes around them are removed so that the fruit can ripen better. We found wild roses, violets, and lilies, and many kinds of herbs and fragrant flowers different from ours. We did not find out about their houses, as they were in the interior of the country. We think from the many signs we saw that they were built of wood and grasses... After staying here for three days, anchored off the coast, we decided to leave because of the scarcity of ports, and we continued to follow the coast which we baptized "Arcadia" on account of the beauty of the trees." [1]
Later, Captain John Smith and other explorers visited the Atlantic Coast of Maryland and made favorable descriptions and detailed maps which brought European settlers to the area. The Pocomoke River, which forms a boundary that separates Worcester County from Somerset and Wicomico Counties, provided access to the Chesapeake Bay which also encouraged settlement of the area.
Crops such as corn and wheat were grown in the fertile soil. But the most valuable crop was tobacco. Because gold and silver currency was scarce, tobacco was used to buy land, slaves, indentured servants and imported goods. Another crop which was valuable to the early economy was cypress wood. Cypress trees grow along the banks of the Pocomoke River. The wood is resistant to rot and was used for homes and other buildings. Cypress wood, along with oak, pin, poplar and gum contributed much to the local economy into the twentieth century.
The economy of Worcester County still relies heavily on agriculture. Crops such as corn, rye, soybeans, potatoes, tomatoes, beans and strawberries are raised here. Produce and poultry processing are also important industries. But we couldn't end a discussion of the local economy without mentioning tourism.
Other Resources:
Text Sources:
[1] Along the Seaboard Side: The Architectural History of Worcester County Maryland, Paul Baker Touart, 1994, Worcester County, page 11
Along the Seaboard Side: The Architectural History of Worcester County Maryland, Paul Baker Touart, 1994, Worcester County, page 11
Maryland, The Seventh State: A History, John T. Marck, 1995
Images from:
Elementary History of the United States, J. B. Lippincott & Company
Narrative and Critical History of America Vol. 4, Houghton Mifflin Company
Real America In Romance, Vol 010 - Lakeside Press
Worcester County Tourism
The New World, Duell, Sloan & Pearce
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