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Mardela Springs, MD
AREA HISTORY 5
as the town where Methodism had its earli- est beginnings and a Methodist chapel was erected here in 1784.
Salisbury, MD
salisbury.md
Founded in 1732, Salisbury is the largest
city on the eastern Shore and is Wicomico County’s seat. Its location at the head of
the Wicomico River, a navigable waterway leading to the Chesapeake Bay, was a major factor in its growth. Even in the 1800s its pro- moters dubbed it the “Hub of Delmarva” for its central location. Founded as a river port,
it remains an active transportation hub with the second most active airport and water port in Maryland.
Sharptown, MD
Sharptown was recognized as a settlement about 1769 and was first incorporated in 1874. The discovery of thousands of spears and arrowheads in the area indicates Indians once inhabited it. Between 1865–1890 its greatest activity and prosperity came from
a great demand for the wooden workboats, yachts, and schooners built in Sharptown. This community on the Nanticoke River has a beautiful beach area and is host to several fishing tournaments throughout the year.
Whitehaven, MD
www.wicomicotourism.org
This tiny 17th-century village, a birders’ para- dise, sits along the banks of the Wicomico Riv- er. The ferry, the longest running in America, has been operating for more than 300 years. The Historic District of Whitehaven was once a bustling shipbuilding and canning center. The shipwright’s touch may still be seen in most structures, including the Whitehaven Hotel, one-room Schoolhouse, and United Methodist Church, all preserved with the help of the Whitehaven Heritage Association. Call 410-873-2618 for events and information.
Willards, MD
Willards was named for Willards Thompson, an executive of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This quaint community laid out in
a circle, boasts a wonderful country church with beautiful stained-glass windows, a campground, and an original railroad station that also once served as the local post office.
English settlers first moved to what would become Mardela Springs in the mid 1600s. Tobacco farmers brought their crops, bound for export, to a tobacco inspection warehouse there as early as 1704. By the late 1700s, a hotel had been built near the natural springs. The springs became a great tourist attraction in the 1800s. By the 1960s, the tourism and commercial bustle had essentially died and Mardela Springs once again became a small quiet village.
Nanticoke, MD
www.wicomicotourism.org
Named after a Native American tribe known as the “tide-water people,” this community came into being about 1809 around Nanti- coke Point on the Nanticoke River. The late 1800s saw the oyster industry turn many into rich men. A fleet of oyster boats still ply the waters from Nanticoke.
Parsonsburg, MD
In the early 1800s a stranger named Johnson purchased land at the crossroads and named it Johnson’s Fork, but a short time later he suddenly disappeared never to be heard from again. Isaac Parsons purchased his farm in 1854 and began a new period of building. Parsons built a home, a general store, a saw- mill, and a gristmill. The town soon forgot the name Johnson’s Fork and adopted the name of the enterprising Mr. Parsons.
Pittsville, MD
Named for William Pitts president of the Wicomico and Pocomoke Railroad, it was once a major strawberry-growing area, but is now better known for pine-bark prods, ornamental iron, and collections of holly and evergreens in December. In addition to various antique shops, Pittsville is home to a restored railroad station, which doubles as a museum.
Quantico, MD
www.wicomicotourism.org
The oldest town in Wicomico, this quaint vil- lage was originally an old Nanticoke Indian village named, “The Dancing Place.” Quantico features interesting architectural styles in several older houses, some dating from the late 18th and early 19th-centuries. The entire town is listed as an historic district. It’s noted
2020
AREA HISTORY