The 1867 creation of a county born from the wreckage of war

Wars & Conflicts · Published 16 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Wicomico County was not always a single entity. Formed in 1867 from parts of Somerset and Worcester counties, its very origin is tied to the transformative era following the American Civil War. This southeastern Maryland territory emerged from the fragments of the Reconstruction period to become a distinct jurisdiction.

The establishment of Wicomico County in 1867 marked a significant administrative shift in the southeastern part of Maryland. Carved from existing territories in Somerset and Worcester counties, the new jurisdiction was named after the Wicomico River. This river, in turn, takes its name from the Algonquian words 'wicko mekee', which translates to 'a place where houses are built', a reference to a historic Native American settlement on its banks. The county's boundaries are defined by the Pocomoke, Nanticoke, and Wicomico rivers, and it sits on the Delmarva Peninsula. Its northern border is shared with Delaware.

The period following the Reconstruction era shaped the county's political identity. During this time, Wicomico became a stronghold for the Democratic Party, driven by strong support for secession and local efforts to implement barriers to voter registration for Black residents. These systemic shifts were accompanied by the presence of independent, insurgent white groups that worked to intimidate and discourage Black voters, particularly within rural areas. This era of disenfranchisement left a lasting mark on the local electorate. The county's political trajectory saw significant shifts, such as the 1928 victory of Herbert Hoover, which was driven by anti-Catholic sentiment against Al Smith.

While the county's political landscape has shifted—notably seeing Republican victories in 1928, 1952, 1956, and 1960—the underlying social and political structures have undergone profound changes. From its origins as a post-war creation to its modern status as part of the Salisbury-DE Metropolitan Statistical Area, the county remains a vital part of the Lower Eastern Shore, with an economy deeply rooted in agriculture, poultry, and food processing. Today, the county seat of Salisbury serves as a major commercial hub. The local economy is bolstered by industries ranging from shipbuilding to electronic component manufacturing.

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