A little more than a third of Maryland’s total land area is made up from nine counties of Maryland’s Eastern Shore that makes up the Maryland portion of Delmarva. In the 2010 census the population of the area was 449,226. This is only about 8% of Maryland total population.
Maryland was named in the honor of Henriette Maria, Queen Consort of Charles I. A charter for the “Maryland Colony” was granted to Cæcilius Calvert, 2nd Lord Baltimore, on June 20, 1632.
A year before in 1631 with permission from the Virginia Governor, William Claiborne established a trading post on a island located in the upper Chesapeake Bay. Claiborne named the island Kent Island after his home, Kent England.
There are many historic towns on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. At the time of the 1st census taken for the United States in 1790, the population center was near Chestertown the county seat of Kent County. The meandering creeks and wonderful nature areas characterize the area. Each of the nine Maryland counties has their own special history.
There is plenty to do and see. There are museums in every county and in many of the towns. Golfers are never far from a scenic golf course. The sunsets and rises are breathtaking. Many of the restaurants feature views like few others.
It’s a slower way of life surrounded by water. It is a place where people wave and say hello as they pass.
The area’s main economy involves vegetable and grain farming, seafood, and a large-scale chicken breeding operation on the lower shore. The Perdue Company began as a small egg farm in Salisbury.
Tourism activities abound with one of its most visited destination being the Atlantic Ocean bordered Ocean City.
With the opening of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the area has changed, especially Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties. These counties have become home to many who work at businesses located west of the Chesapeake Bay.
Despite this the region still holds its charm. The area maintains a unique rural quality. Many who cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge feels an ease come over them as they reach the eastern shore. There is a true independence from a helter skelter way of life.