Somerset County
[horizontal rule]

Click on the seal to see a larger version

Somerset County, on Maryland's Eastern Shore, is the State's southernmost county. The Chesapeake Bay forms its western boundary, Virginia its southern. A county with lots of water, Somerset attracts fishermen, hungers, tourists, and water sports fans.

Somerset County was created in 1666. It is named for Mary Somerset, sister-in-law of Cecilius, second Lord Baltimore. Bordered by the Chesapeake Bay, the land is generally flat. The corn, soybeans, broilers (poultry), vegetables, livestock and dairy produced make it rank fourth in agriculture value among Maryland counties. Only 26% of the county is farmland, but agriculture is its biggest industry. Seafood and timber are also important to its economy.

Somerset County hosts both the Skipjack (Maryland's state boat) Race and Festival and the National Hard Crab Derby and Fair . The county seat is Princess Anne.

[horizontal rule]

Below is some interesting census information about Somerset County. Look at the way the county population has changed over the years!

Population Information for Somerset County
Population % of MD Population
1790 Census 15,610 4.9%
1890 Census 24,155 2.3%
1990 Census 23,440 .5%
2000 Census 24,747 .5%


© Copyright October 16, 1997, Office of the Secretary of State.
Last Modified June 06/04/03, 2003 .
bv