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Welcome to Worcester County MDGenWeb

Research Worcester County families from Maryland’s Atlantic shore, from colonial Old Somerset through Snow Hill, Berlin, Pocomoke City, Ocean City, the Pocomoke River, and the barrier islands.

Worcester County was formed from the eastern part of Somerset County on December 10, 1742, with Snow Hill as the county seat. Before 1742, families in this area may appear in Somerset County records. In 1867, part of Worcester became Wicomico County, so later family records may cross that new county line.

Worcester borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Sussex County, Delaware, to the north, Wicomico and Somerset counties to the west, and Accomack County, Virginia, to the south. Maryland and Delaware also disputed part of the northern boundary until the eighteenth century. For genealogists, that changing geography is a reminder to search beyond today’s county lines.

Research tip: If a Worcester ancestor seems to disappear, check the date first. The same family may be found in Somerset records before 1742, Worcester after 1742, Wicomico after 1867, or nearby Sussex County records.