We asked... (Worcester ceded territory)

 
Why did Worcester County give up territory for what is now Somerset and Wicomico Counties?

Worcester County ceded its territory for the formation of Somerset and Wicomico Counties due to the immense size of the original land grant, which caused significant inconveniences for citizens living far from the county seat

. Political developments also played a role in the formation of Wicomico County, as citizens in the Salisbury area pushed for a new county where they would have more influence. 

Formation of Somerset County in 1666

Somerset County was the original colonial territory covering the entire Lower Eastern Shore. When it was established by an Order in Council in 1666, it was much larger and included the areas that would later become Worcester and Wicomico counties. 

Formation of Worcester County in 1742

Worcester County was officially formed in 1742 by splitting the eastern portion of Somerset County. The reasons for this split mirror the later division that created Wicomico County: 

• Travel difficulties: With Somerset County stretching from the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, residents in the eastern regions, especially near the newly designated county seat of Snow Hill, found it inconvenient to travel across the vast territory to attend to legal and administrative matters in Princess Anne, the original county seat.
• Distance from administration: The need for a local seat of government for the growing population in the eastern area led to the split. 

Formation of Wicomico County in 1867

Wicomico County was carved out of both Somerset and Worcester counties following the Civil War. The factors leading to this division were: 

• Inconvenient travel for citizens: Residents in the northern parts of Somerset and western parts of Worcester faced challenging travel to reach their respective county seats of Princess Anne and Snow Hill. As one proponent for the new county explained, some residents had to travel up to 35 miles and cross an ice-blocked river in winter.
• Emergence of Salisbury: By the mid-19th century, Salisbury had developed into a strategic commercial and railroad hub. However, its downtown was split between Somerset and Worcester counties.
• Political push for a new county: Local leaders, particularly from Salisbury, organized a movement for a new county to consolidate their commercial and political power. The new county was approved by a narrow majority in an 1867 special election. With its central location and growing influence, Salisbury was named the county seat of Wicomico County.