Salisbury history

Foundation and First Mentions

The official date of the city's birth is considered to be 1732, when the General Assembly of the Province of Maryland passed an act to create a settlement on the lands at the headwaters of the Wicomico River. The city was named in honour of the English city of Salisbury, reflecting the close cultural ties of the colonists with Great Britain.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into an important regional centre was driven by a number of strategic reasons:

• Geography: The city emerged at the highest point of the Wicomico River navigable by vessels of that time. This made it a natural port and a transshipment point.
• Trade: Thanks to convenient access to the Chesapeake Bay, Salisbury quickly became the main trading hub for farmers and timber merchants of the Delmarva Peninsula.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, life in the city was shaped around the utilisation of the region's natural resources:

• Economic Base: The foundation of the early economy was the export of tobacco, grain, and timber. The abundance of forests facilitated the development of wood processing.
• Shipbuilding: The availability of quality timber and a convenient harbour spurred the development of shipyards, where boats were built for trade and fishing.

Chronology of Salisbury's Development

• 1732 — The Maryland General Assembly officially established the city in a strategically important location at the headwaters of the Wicomico River.
• 1854 — Salisbury was officially incorporated, receiving city status and its own municipal government.
• 1860 — The first major fire destroyed many wooden structures, serving as the catalyst for the renewal of the city's architecture.
• 1867 — Wicomico County was formed, and Salisbury became its administrative centre, strengthening its political significance in the region.
• 1886 — The "Great Fire" devastated the city centre, after which it was promptly rebuilt in brick and stone, forming the current historical appearance.
• 1920 — Arthur Perdue started a small egg-selling business, laying the foundation for the future Perdue Farms corporation, the headquarters of which is still located in the city.
• 1925 — The Maryland State Normal School opened, which over time transformed into the modern Salisbury University.
• 1949 — The city was awarded the prestigious national All-America City Award for the first time for outstanding achievements in community activities and civic initiatives.
• 1950s — The expansion of the transport network and the construction of new highways definitively secured the city's unofficial status as the "Crossroads of Delmarva".
• 2018 — Salisbury hosted the National Folk Festival, marking a new stage in the cultural and economic revitalisation of the centre.

Development Milestones: From Trading Post to Regional Capital

The history of Salisbury is a journey of transformation from a river port into a multi-faceted economic and cultural centre of the peninsula. The following key stages highlight what defined the modern look and status of the city:

• The Architectural Revolution of the 19th Century. The devastating fires of 1860 and 1886 became a turning point in urban planning. Wooden structures were replaced by solid buildings made of brick and stone in the Victorian style. This decision not only improved safety but also formed the unique historical ensemble of the centre, which is today a main tourist attraction.
• Transformation into the "Crossroads of Delmarva". The development of the highway network, especially the intersection of routes US 13 and US 50, secured the city's status as the main logistics hub of the region. This strategic position stimulated rapid growth in trade, the hospitality business, and the service sector, making Salisbury a key stop for travellers.
• Industrial Breakthrough with Perdue Farms. The growth of Arthur Perdue's company from a family enterprise to an international agro-industrial giant fundamentally changed the city's economy. This turned Salisbury into a centre of agribusiness, provided the region with thousands of jobs, and created a base for long-term economic stability.
• Evolution into a University City. The transformation of a small college into the major Salisbury University had a tremendous influence on the cultural environment. The influx of youth and the academic community contributed to the development of creative industries, the appearance of art galleries, and the formation of a rich events calendar.
• Establishment of a Medical Cluster. The development of the regional medical centre (TidalHealth) made the city the main healthcare point on the peninsula. High-tech medicine attracted qualified specialists to the city and became another pillar of the local economy alongside education and manufacturing.
• Modern Waterfront Revitalisation. In recent years, the city has reimagined the role of the Wicomico River. The landscaping of the embankment, the creation of walking areas, and the hosting of large-scale events, such as the National Folk Festival, have breathed new life into downtown, turning it from a business district into a space for leisure and tourism.

Urban Development and Architectural Appearance

The architecture of Salisbury clearly reflects its evolution from a colonial river port to the modern "Crossroads of Delmarva". A decisive moment for urban planning was the "Great Fire" of 1886, which destroyed the old wooden city and initiated the era of solid brick construction that defined the current look of downtown.

Main Architectural Eras and Styles

• Federal Style and Greek Revival (19th Century): The oldest surviving residences of the city, located primarily in the Newtown district. They are characterised by strict symmetry, columns, and concise decor, emphasising the status of the owners.
• Victorian Commercial Architecture (Late 19th Century): After the fire, the city centre was built up with two- and three-storey brick buildings. The Italianate style prevails, with decorative cornices, tall arched windows, and cast-iron facade elements.
• Queen Anne Style (Turn of the 19th–20th Centuries): Picturesque mansions appeared in the residential quarters of wealthy citizens, featuring asymmetrical facades, turrets, spacious verandas, and complex wall textures.
• Colonial Revival and Neoclassicism (Early 20th Century): A period of flourishing public institutions. The brightest example is Holloway Hall — the main university building, constructed with a majestic portico and dome, referencing early American traditions.
• Brutalism and Modernism (Mid-20th Century): The expansion of the city led to the appearance of functional administrative and educational buildings made of concrete and glass, symbolising post-war economic growth.

Iconic Districts and Objects

The urban fabric of Salisbury is heterogeneous and consists of several key zones, each possessing its own unique character:

• Historical Centre (Downtown Plaza): The heart of business life. In the mid-20th century, the main street was transformed into a pedestrian zone (later partially opened to transport), which was a bold urban planning experiment of that time. Dense historical development of the Victorian era has been preserved here.
• Newtown (Newtown Historic District): The first prestigious suburb of Salisbury, located north of the centre. This is an extensive district with wide streets and century-old trees, where one can trace the change in architectural fashions through the example of private mansions.
• University Campus: Represents a "city within a city" with well-groomed green zones and an architectural ensemble where historical buildings in the Georgian style harmoniously coexist with modern scientific complexes.

Distinguished Personalities of Salisbury

Salisbury has become the birthplace and home for many talented people who have achieved national and global recognition in business, politics, the arts, and sports. Their achievements have become an important part of the history of the city and the region.

• Arthur Perdue (1885–1977)
  Entrepreneur, Founder of Perdue Farms
  In 1920, he founded a business selling table eggs, which grew into one of the largest agro-industrial companies in the USA. His activities turned Salisbury into a key poultry farming centre on the East Coast.
• Frank Perdue (1920–2005)
  Businessman, Philanthropist
  Son of the founder of Perdue Farms, who took the company to a national level and became the face of the brand thanks to memorable television commercials. Known as a major patron of the arts and education: the School of Business at Salisbury University bears his name.
• Paul Sarbanes (1933–2020)
  Statesman, US Senator
  A native of Salisbury who represented Maryland in the US Senate for 30 years. He went down in history as the co-author of the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act" (2002), which radically changed the rules of financial reporting and corporate auditing.
• Linda Hamilton (born 1956)
  Actress
  Born and raised in Salisbury. She gained worldwide fame thanks to the role of Sarah Connor in the cult film series "The Terminator". She is one of the most recognisable action movie actresses in cinema history.
• John Glover (born 1944)
  Theatre and Film Actor
  A native of the city and a laureate of the prestigious Tony Award. Known to the general public for charismatic roles in television series, particularly as Lionel Luthor in "Smallville".
• Alexis Denisof (born 1966)
  Actor
  Born in Salisbury. Became famous thanks to roles in the popular series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel", as well as participation in major Hollywood projects such as "The Avengers".
• Ben Tate (born 1988)
  Professional Athlete
  An American football player (running back) who successfully performed in the National Football League (NFL) for teams such as the Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, and others. He serves as an example of sporting success for the region's youth.