Overview of Pocomoke City

Settled in the 1600s on the banks of the Pocomoke River, the town has been called by many names through the centuries, beginning with Stevens Ferry, Warehouse Landing, and Newtowne. The name of Pocomoke City was adopted in 1878, at which time Dr. Issac Costen was elected to serve as its first mayor.

Shipbuilding was the largest enterprise from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. Tull Shipyards, on the banks of the river near downtown, built some 200 vessels from the luxury oceangoing schooners to steamships.

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.