Learn About Salisbury, Maryland
Salisbury Overview
City History
- Salisbury, Maryland was founded in 1732 and is the largest city on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
- The city was named after the English city of Salisbury, which was the county seat of Wiltshire, England.
- Salisbury was incorporated as a city in 1854 and has a rich history dating back to colonial times.
Interesting Facts
- Salisbury is home to Salisbury University, a public university with a strong reputation for its business, nursing, and education programs.
- The city is known for its annual Salisbury Festival, which features live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts booths.
- Salisbury is also home to the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, which showcases the work of artists who specialize in carving and painting wildfowl.
Interesting People
- Samuel Chase, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born in Somerset County, Maryland, which is near Salisbury.
- Jim Mathias, a former member of the Maryland House of Delegates and Maryland Senate, is a prominent figure in Salisbury politics.
- Sheila Tilghman, a molecular biologist and geneticist, was born in Salisbury and has made significant contributions to the field of genetics.
Top Attractions in Salisbury
- Salisbury Zoo: A free zoo with over 100 animals representing 30 species, including red pandas, Andean bears, and flamingos.
- Pemberton Historical Park: A 262-acre park with hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and a historic 18th-century plantation house.
- Poplar Hill Mansion: A historic house museum dating back to 1795 that offers guided tours and special events.
Top Attractions Nearby
- Assateague Island National Seashore: A barrier island known for its wild horses, pristine beaches, and scenic hiking trails.
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge: A vast wetland area that is home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles and ospreys.
- Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum: A museum in St. Michaels that showcases the history and culture of the Chesapeake Bay region.
Population History
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Salisbury, Maryland was 33,114 in 2020.
- The city has experienced steady population growth over the past few decades, with an increase of over 10% since 2010.
- Salisbury is a diverse city, with a population that includes a mix of Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, and Asian residents.
Geography
- Salisbury is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, near the head of the Wicomico River.
- The city is situated in the coastal plain region of Maryland, which is known for its flat, sandy terrain.
- Salisbury has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
Economy
- Salisbury's economy is driven by industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and agriculture.
- The city is home to Peninsula Regional Medical Center, which is the largest hospital on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
- Salisbury is also a hub for higher education, with institutions such as Salisbury University and Wor-Wic Community College contributing to the local economy.
Culture
- Salisbury has a vibrant arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and music venues that showcase local and regional talent.
- The city hosts several annual events, including the National Folk Festival, which celebrates traditional music, dance, and crafts.
- Salisbury is known for its seafood cuisine, with restaurants serving fresh crab, oysters, and fish from the nearby Chesapeake Bay.
Notable Landmarks
- Salisbury Cathedral: A historic church dating back to the 13th century that features a 404-foot spire, the tallest in the United Kingdom.
- Old Sarum: An ancient hill fort and settlement that was inhabited from the Iron Age through the Middle Ages.
- Stonehenge: A prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, believed to have been constructed between 3000 and 2000 BC.