History of Delmarva
The Delmarva Peninsula, a land defined by its relationship with the water, has a storied past stretching back thousands of years. From the indigenous peoples who first fished the Pocomoke River to the colonial settlers who established bustling maritime ports, the history of Delmarva is a tapestry of resilience and discovery. Pocomoke City stands as a gateway to this rich heritage, preserving the traditions of boatbuilding and river commerce.
Pocomoke City Timeline
1670–1700
Early Settlement & River Commerce
Stevens Ferry is established, followed by Meeting House Landing and a tobacco warehouse. The settlement grows around river commerce.
1780–1865
Newtown and Incorporation
The river community is renamed Newtown in 1780 and becomes an official municipality in 1865.
1878–1892
Pocomoke City and Early Fires
Newtown becomes Pocomoke City in 1878, honoring the Pocomoke River. Major downtown fires follow in 1888 and 1892.
April 22, 1922
The Great Fire
The most disastrous fire in Pocomoke’s history sweeps through the central business district. It destroys the firehouse and all pre-1922 fire company records; poor water pressure limits firefighting efforts.
1922–1950s
Rebuilding and Modernization
Rebuilding begins with a widened Market Street, masonry construction, and a new firehouse. The Ladies Auxiliary forms in 1931, and by the 1950s Pocomoke’s fire company supports towns across the region.
2008
Discovery Center Opens
The Delmarva Discovery Museum opens its doors to preserve the peninsula's natural and cultural legacy.
Photos courtesy of Worcester County Library, Maryland. Source: Flickr Photo Archive.
Worcester County Library Flickr Collection