Page Contents for Pocomoke City, Maryland

Statistics & Facts

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Chamber of Commerce.

Community events.

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The Maryland state capital is Annapolis.
The population of Pocomoke City is approximately 3,922 (1990), 4184 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 1,682 (1990), 1626 (2010).
The amount of land area in Pocomoke City is 5.726 sq. kilometers.
The amount of surface water is 0.543 sq kilometers.
The distance from Pocomoke City to Washington DC is 100 miles.
The distance to the Maryland state capital is 82 miles. (as the crow flies)
Pocomoke City is positioned 38.06 degrees north of the equator and 75.56 degrees west of the prime meridian.

History & History Related Items

Settled in the 1600's on the banks of the Pocomoke River, the town was originally known as Stevens Ferry. Not content with such a lable, it adopted the name Meeting House Landing, then Warehouse Landing, then Newtown, until finally in 1878 it became, and remained Pocomoke City.

During the late 1800's and early 1900's, ship-building was the largest and most successful enterprise. Steam-driven boats and sailboats laden with furs, whiskey, and tobacco found their way from Pocomoke City to ports in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York.

Pocomoke made the city's growing population, as well as the sailors and seaman who worked on the boats, feel welcome with fairs and festivals and in some circles became known as "a rowdy town!"

The Pocomoke River, which has played such an important role in Pocomoke City's evolution, serves as a sanctuary for small animals and migratory birds. Visitors to the river and surrounding wetlands may view up to 27 species of mammals, 29 reptiles, 14 amphibians, and 172 species of birds.

The odd "knees" you will observe protruding above the water in wetland areas belong to the bald cypress. The knees are thought to deliver oxygen to the root system of the swamp loving trees. Pocomoke is the northernmost habitat for the bald cypress.

The late 1900's brought industry to Pocomoke City. The 90 acre industrial park is equipped with all utilities and an excellent road system. This mid-Atlantic location has become the home of several growing businesses. The reasonably priced land is zoned for enterprise, and incentives are available.
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Attractions

Many golf courses and museums in the area; Cypress Park in downtown Pocomoke City; Pocomoke River State Park; Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge & Seashore; Cypress Park Nature Trail and Pusey Branch Nature Trail among others.

Visitors are encouraged to wander along the river in Cypress Park and through downtown. Plan to shop in a variety of up-to-date commercial businesses, whose architecture is reminiscent of the early 20th century. We cherish our history, and are proud of the art-deco Mar-Va Theater, and recently renovated Sturgis One Room Schoolhouse Museum. Costen House, the home of our first mayor, is a living museum, and center of community activities and exhibits throughout the year.

Pocomoke City is proud of its diverse economy, boasting a 98 acre Industrial Park which is home to Benelli, Mid-Atlantic Foods, Nutech Molding, and Bel-Art Products. Pocomoke City is also a commercial center with retailers and service businesses supporting a wide radius.

The Pocomoke River has been designated as a wild and scenic river, and continues to be the centerpiece of the community. Its surrounding wetlands serve as sanctuary for more than 127 species of birds and waterfowl. Sightings of rare birds such as the Pilliated Woodpecker and the Bald Eagle are common in the swampy reaches of the river.

The Nature and Exercise Trail wends its way from Cypress Park, into the swamp, and back around to the river, sporting informative signs and challenging exercise equipment, as well as benches for resting along the way.

Boating and golfing are enjoyed year round in the mild Eastern Shore climate. Bikers abound on View Trail 100, which winds around through Worchester County.

The well-marked Beach to Bay Indian Trail provides an automobile tour through the Lower Shore, highlighting historic heritage sites of the region.

Pocomoke City has been said to be "30 minutes from anywhere" on the Lower Shore. In that length of time, one can be in Ocean City, with its famous 10 miles of beach, Crisfield, "Crab Capitol of the World" where cruises depart daily for trips back in time to the 17th Century lifestyle of Smith and Tangier Islands in the Chesapeake Bay, or Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia, home of the world famous wild ponies.
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Pocomoke City City Government

Pocomoke City Hall
Phone: (410) 957-1333

Pocomoke has a

Pocomoke City Chamber

Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce
144 Market Street
P.O. Box 356
Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851
Phone: 410-957-1919
Fax: 410-957-4784

Pocomoke City Community Events

June each year
Cypress Festival
12-14 June 2003
Cypress Park
Carnival Rides, Arts & Crafts, Trade Show, Kids Games, Tug-O-War, Ducky Derby, Fireworks, Live Entertainment, Tricky Tray Event, Raffles and Local Easternshore Food. Be one of the 10,000 attendees. Crafters Welcome!

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2003, August 21-24
Great Pocomoke Fair
Pocomoke Fairgrounds at the corner of 8th and Broad street.
Harness Horse Races & Show, Tractor Pull, Go Cart Races, Rides, Kids Games, Grease Pigs, Cow Paddy Bingo, Crafts, Fireworks and great food, and a Demolition Derby.

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2003, September 13
Downtown Concert and Block Party
Downtown Pocomoke
Held in downtown Pocomoke with music from the 50's, 60's and 70's. Live entertainment, games and food. Bring your own chair!

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2003, October 11-12
Native American Festival and Pw Wow
Cyprus Park

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December each year
Christmas Parade
Market Street through beautiful downtown Pocomoke City
Maryland's Largest Nighttime Parade. Holiday Theme, Cash Prizes, Over 50 Floats and Exhibits.

Pocomoke City Organizations

Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce
144 Market Street
P.O. Box 356
Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851
Phone: 410-957-1919
Fax: 410-957-4784 Pocomoke City

Miscellany

Did you know that: The Pocomoke River gets its name from the Indian word, "pocomoke," meaning "black water"?
The Pocomoke River is said to be the deepest river in the United States for its width.
a fire completely destroyed downtown Pocomoke City in 1922, leaving 250 people homeless?