A Brief History of Snow Hill... Snow Hill, located along the banks of the Pocomoke River, was settled in 1642 by a small group of colonists. The settlement grew and prospered as a farming and business community, with the river playing a key role in its development. In 1686 the Town of Snow Hill was chartered; in 1694 it was made a Royal Port, and schooners plied the river, carrying on a lively trade. Warehouses, a wheelwright, shipwright, and other supportive businesses sprang up. By 1740 the population had grown and when Somerset County was divided into Worcester County and Somerset County in 1742, Snow Hill was made the county seat of Worcester County. In 1793 the town was platted into some 100 lots. Snow Hill was involved in the American Revolution and in June 1775 adopted resolutions to aid Massachusetts. Local records were hidden in the War of 1812. Northern and southern sympathies were both evident during the War Between the States. As steamboats replaced the schooners, Snow Hill continued as an active port, carrying passengers and goods to the Western Shore. Steamers traveled up-river to the Nassawango Iron Furnace for shipments of bog iron. As the railroad superceeded water travel, Snow Hill continued an active role, as the rail line ran through town on the main north-south peninsular route. A disastrous fire in 1893 destroyed the original downtown area, and the early town and county records housed in the Courthouse. Thus many of the facts of early Snow Hill are unable to be validated. Snow Hill today functions as Worcester's County Seat, with the Courthouse the nucleus of much activity. Small businesses are available to serve the needs of Snow Hill and the surrounding agrarian interests. Emphasis is placed on developing the town's full recreational potential, and on maintaining Snow Hill with its quiet, brick-side-walked, tree lined streets, enriched by lovely old houses. Worcester County Courthouse Snow Hill, as the County Seat of Worcester, is the location of the County Courthouse. The first courthouse, built c. 1742, burned in 1834, in a fire which consumed 40 houses, 8 stores and 2 hotels as well. The second courthouse was built of brick, with a wooden cupola, for $10,000.00, with renovations including fire-proof vaults and a slate roof taking place in 1882-1883 at a cost of $8,530.00. The present courthouse was built in 1894 at a cost of $37,499.87 after its predecessor was destroyed by fire on the night of August 7, 1893. Additions to the 1894 structure have been made several times. Julia A. Purnell Museum The Julia A. Purnell Museum is located in a former Catholic Church building of cottage gothic architecture. The Museum was created by William Z. Purnell in the 1940's as a memorial to his mother, Julia A. Purnell, who lived from 1843-1943. It has a collection of artifacts including folk art, bathtubs, luggage, coins, garments, guns, fabrics, tapestries and shoes. There are assemblages of early American tools of different kinds, including those for agriculture, tobacco processing, dentistry and household use. Professionally arranged and maintained exhibits showcase the thousands of artifacts from the Colonial Period to the late 19th century. Open April - October Mon. - Fri. 10 - 4, Sat. - Sun. 1 - 4 Mt. Zion One-Room School This one-room school, given to the Worcester County Teachers Association by Sam Shockley, was moved in 1959 from rural Worcester County to its location on Ironshire Street. Recollections and gifts of former students and teachers have helped the Association refurbish it. The teachers desk was built by the grandfather of a former teacher. Other gifts include the recitation bench, student desks, pot-belly stove, a bucket and dipper, and a good collection of antique texts. Tours are available by reservation. (632-0669) Snow Hill's Churches Makemie United Presbyterian Church, the seat of American Presbyterianism, was established in 1683 by Francis Makemie. The original building was built in 1683, and the present Gothic Revival structure constructed in 1889. Ebenezer United Methodist Church was established in 1869. The original log structure was struck by lightning and burned. The present building was erected in 1899. Bates Methodist Church, established in 1833, was originally built on Franklin Street. The present construction on Washington Street was erected in 1901. Whatcoat Methodist Church was first located in 1808 in the present cemetery on Federal Street between Washington Street and Collins Street. Two successive structures were built and moved before today's church was built in 1900. Mt. Zion Baptist Church, established in 1886, is located on Dighton Avenue. The Old School Baptist Church, established in 1863, used one of the old Whatcoat Methodist buildings until 1924, when the present structure was erected. Snow Hill Christian Church was established in 1897, and the present building put up in 1899. All Hallows Episcopal Church, established in 1692, had its present structure built in 1756, with modifications in 1872 and 1899. The Pocomoke River The Pocomoke River, bordering Snow Hill on the northwest, is a state Scenic River with a fascinating past. Three-masted schooners brought freight and passengers. Later, the steamboat followed a regular route between Snow Hill and Baltimore, and meeting the boat became a favorite pastime. Logs were rafted down the river to the thriving saw mills; fertilizer arrived on barges to meet agrarian demands. Homes featuring widow's walks and lanterns were built by seafarers. Lads defied their parents as they swam and dived from the bridge. Turtles and shad were netted and sold; young ladies were paddled about by beaux. The river today invites boat and canoe travel. Large mouth bass, perch and bluegills delight anglers, while the most adventuresome try their hand at spearing gar. Snow Hill has two riverside parks - Bryd Park and Sturgis Memorial Park - for strolling, relaxing, picnicing and river-watching. Historic house plaques Homes and buildings in this brochure may be identified by a pewter plaque of the Tricentennial Logo: Snow Hill: 300 Years on the River. The plaque, purchased by the building owner, is located in the vicinity of the front door. The plaques were made possible by a grant from The Home Bank, with offices in Newark, Ocean City and Snow Hill. An annual house tour in September features selected historic homes and buildings. Overnight accommodations in an historic home are available at Snow Hill's Bed and Breakfast Inns. Click the picture to view a larger (17k) map of Snow Hill and surrounding area. Chanceford Hall Inn 632-2231 River House Inn 632-2722 Snow Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast/Restaurant 632-2102 For more information about Snow Hill call: The Purnell Museum 632-0515 Snow Hill Area Chamber of Commerce 632-0809 Worcester County Tourism 632-3110 Worcester County's Tourism Page