The history of the railroad in Salisbury and its socioeconomic impacts

Abstract

The city of Salisbury, Maryland, enjoys a prominent role on the Delmarva Peninsula. Located at the headwaters of the Wicomico River, the city has earned the name of "First City of the Eastern Shore" and "Hub of Delmarva." Salisbury, however, did not always possess this position of importance. The impetus of Salisbury's significance was the coming of the railroad. Before this transportation revolution Salisbury was overshadowed by other towns such as Snow Hill and Princess Anne, both of which had easier access to the Chesapeake Bay via the Pocomoke and Manokin Rivers respectively. The railroad broke the dominance of these rival towns, giving Salisbury the ability to send its products to the rest of the country and bring in goods from far away markets. Salisbury's importance grew, spurring the city to become the center of commerce to which the entire Lower Shore looks. But the story begins much, much earlier...