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Area Demographics

Agriculture has long been the foundation of the economy on the Delmarva Peninsula. Even without adequate docking facilities, early 17th century colonists received shipments in hoghead barrels which were rolled over the surf to the beach. Charles Truitt, noted local historian published a premier history of the Peninsula titled - "Breadbasket to the Revolution".

The railroad heritage of Delmar was built to ship agricultural and seafood products off the "eastern shore" to markets radiating from Wilmington, DE such as Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia.

In succession, the Delmarva peninsula has been a leader in strawberry, peach and other commodities.

In 1923, Mrs. Wilmer Steele operated a small laying flock of chickens. What her early pioneering effort has produced is a multi billion dollar industry. Today, the agricultural leader is chicken. Sussex County, DE is the number one broiler producer in the nation and home to the 10th, 15th and 19th largest broiler industry companies. Wicomico County, MD is home to the 2nd largest broiler industry company. More than two thirds of the cash farm income comes from broilers.

While "chicken is king" only ten of the 25 largest employers in Sussex are agricultural related. Finance, pharmaceuticals, construction, utilities and education round out the field. Today, tourism is number two in commerce thanks to the natural assets of the "Land of Pleasant Living" - a phrase attributed to Capt. John Smith, colonizer and early explorer - and still very much appropriate.

Nestled on the border of Sussex County, Delaware and Wicomico County, Maryland, Delmar finds itself growing by leaps and bounds. A proactive citizenry, business community & local government has set about to build a new infrastructure from street paving and curbing to water treatment to annexation to a state of the art high school, police department, and volunteer fire department.

On the following pages the Chamber hopes you find some useful information. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please check back often, as we grow!