Crisfield is a city in Somerset County, Maryland, United States, located in Tangier Sound, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. The population is 2,726 at the 2010 census. It is included in the Salisbury, Maryland-Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area. Crisfield has the distinction of being the southernmost city in Maryland.
The Crisfield site today was originally a small fishing village called Annemessex Neck. During the European colonization, his name was changed to Somers Cove, after Benjamin Summers. When the business potential for seafood was discovered, John W. Crisfield decided to bring the Pennsylvania Railroad to Crisfield, and a quietly growing fishing town. Crisfield is now known as "Seafood Capital of the World". The city's success was so great that soot and oyster shells pushed the city's expansion into the marshes. Townspeople often claim that the downtown area is literally built on oyster shells.
Crisfield began to decline with the decline in health of the Chesapeake Bay, prompting a "strategic revitalization plan" to address future city needs. Today, Crisfield is largely a tourist destination. It hosts many annual events and festivals, the most prominent of which is the National Hard Crab Derby. Crisfield is also the main gateway to Smith Island and Tangier Island.
Video Crisfield, Maryland
Histori
The Annemessex, a branch of the local Pocomoke Indians of the Algonquin, was the first inhabitant in the area. Their little fishing village is known as Annemessex Neck. The nearby Annemessex River is also named after them.
On February 10, 1663, Benjamin Summers, a settler from Yorkshire or Hertfordshire, England, arrived from Northampton County, Virginia to claim his rights. He patented 300 acres (1,21 km 2 ) [though actually only 250 acres (1.01 km 2 )] parcel ground, which he named "Emmessex". He then patented a 200-hectare (0.81 km 2 ) soil on September 23, 1683, naming it "Musketa Hummock". These two parcels of land are located in Crisfield's Electoral District today. Another piece of land, named "Little Worth" and at 100 acres (0.40 km 2 ), is also patented in Annemessex. The three plot of land will eventually be known collectively as Somers Cove .
Somers Cove soon became the main distribution center of the East Coast for seafood. The city grew faster than the other settlements on the Delmarva Peninsula, with more than 100 buildings in 1804, while Princess Anne and Salisbury each had 40 and 4.
In 1854, a survey of the Chesapeake Bay revealed that the area was a lucrative fishing location, with extensive oyster beds around Somers Cove.
In 1866, John W. Crisfield, a Princess Anne lawyer, was instrumental in bringing the Eastern Shore Railroad, a branch of the Railroad Pennsylvania system, to the port of Somers Cove. The Crisfield Secondary branch of the railroad opened on November 6 of that year. The city was officially founded in 1872 as a city, and renamed Crisfield to honor the efforts of lawyers. The train strengthened the economy of the new city and Crisfield was very prosperous, as were other cities and settlements along its route, like the Marion Station in the north.
Seafood is immediately shipped throughout the United States, and Crisfield is known as "Seafood Capital of the World", a nickname still carried by the city. An industry boom followed. In 1904, Crisfield City was the second largest city in Maryland, after Baltimore, with a population of about 25,000 at the time. The city's seafood industry attracts new residents from afar like New England and Midwestern United States. The city also has a baseball team not too long ago: Crisfield Crabbers, who plays in the Eastern Shore Baseball League.
The success of the city's seafood industry filled the city with sooty trains and a large number of oyster shells. Around the turn of the 20th century, entrepreneurs would buy land on the southwestern edge of the city and throw shells and soot into the salt marshes. These shells eventually grow into a peninsula about half a mile in length. Downtown Crisfield is built on this new land, and this leads to a common statement that Crisfield is so prosperous that it is "built literally on oyster shells".
James Reed, an indigenous African American to North Carolina, was hanged by a mob of white people in Crisfield, Maryland on July 28, 1907. He was alleged to have killed the local police chief.
The city experienced several fires, the most famous known as the Great Fire of 1928. It started on March 29 at the Crisfield Opera House and quickly spread to the city center, completely destroying it and causing over $ 1 million in damage..
Crisfield's prosperity began to decline with the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Oyster populations decline to the point where watermen can no longer fully support themselves in their daily catch. Some businesses start moving out of Crisfield, while others are closed. On April 1, 1976, the train that had brought prosperity to Crisfield was abandoned because Conrail was founded. However, Maryland Route 413, a new and straight highway was built before the railroads were abandoned, along the right railway line. As big business in the United States grew, they passed Crisfield which shrank to the end of the 20th century. Fast-food restaurants began slowly searching for business in the city, beginning in the late 1990s, along with many of the seafood restaurants already in town. A large supermarket has been in city plans for a decade, though not until April 2010 opened for business. Crisfield is also a target for large seaside properties, with several large condos built in the mid-2000s in the downtown area, along with other places flanking Crisfield harbor. A "strategic revitalization plan" has been pursued since 2006 to address the growing needs and aesthetics of the city.
Crisfield continues to be famous for its seafood throughout Maryland and the United States, especially Crab Maryland, and abounds with restaurants, seafood packing houses, and seafood distribution companies. Several seafood restaurants across the country carry this city's name.
The Crisfield Armory, Crisfield Historic District, Cullen Homestead Historic District, Make Peace, Nelson Homestead, Kapten Leonard Tawes House, dan Ward Brothers 'House and Shop terdaftar di Daftar Tempat Bersejarah Nasional.
Maps Crisfield, Maryland
Geografi
Crisfield is a very dense city, with a bit of empty land. According to the US Census Bureau, the city has a total area of ​​3.06 square miles (7.93 km 2 ), which, 1.62 square miles (4.20 km 2 ) (53.0%) are land and 1.44 square miles (3.73 km 2 ) (47.0%) are water. As one of the southern points on the Delmarva Peninsula and which is very close to Chesapeake Bay, the city is very flat, with the elevation never rising above 3 feet (0.91 m).
The town of Crisfield is surrounded by salt marshes and built on floodplains. The city center is particularly vulnerable to flooding during major storms and hurricanes. On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy storms leave most of the city under water. Ongoing local concerns about flooding and sea level rise are featured in the Washington Post in October 2013.
Crisfield is the southernmost city in the state of Maryland; the furthest point south is geographically located in Ape Hole. Apart from this, Southern Maryland is an official state territory unrelated to the Eastern Shore, and the Saint Mary's County region is sometimes claimed to be the southernmost point of the state.
Climate
The Crisfield location on the Atlantic Coast Plain in Maryland provides a humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and cool and cool winters. Its proximity to water, as well as the general trend on the Delmarva Peninsula, means that the city does not see much snow in the winter.
Demographics
Crisfield is part of the Salisbury-Ocean Pines CSA, a combined statistical area (CSA) covering the Salisbury metropolitan area (Somerset and Wicomico counties) and the Micropolitan Ocean Pines (Worcester County) area, which has a combined population of 155,934 in the 2000 Census. Salisbury is a city the main CSA.
census 2010
At the 2010 census, there were 2,726 people, 1,113 households, and 667 families living in the city. Population density was 1,682.7 souls per square mile (649.7/km 2 ). There are 1,531 housing units with an average density of 945.1 per square mile (364.9/km 2 ). City racial makeup is 59.0% White, 36.4% African American, 0.6% Native Americans, 0.5% Asian, 1.3% of other races, and 2.3% of two or more races. Hispanic or Latino race of any 3.7% of the population.
There are 1,113 households 33.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.1% are married couples living together, 25.8% have unmarried female households present, 4.0% have a home male ladder without wife presence, and 40.1% not family. 35.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 15.4% have a person who lives alone aged 65 years or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.06.
The average age in the city is 38.4 years. 27.8% of the population is under 18 years of age; 8.3% between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.5% are from 25 to 44; 24.6% is from 45 to 64; and 17.7% are 65 years old or older. The city's gender structure is 44.0% male and 56.0% female.
census 2000
At the 2000 census, there were 2,723 people, 1,172 households, and 723 families living in the city. Population density is 1,674.9 people per square mile (645.0/km²). There are 1,357 units of homes with an average density of 834.7 per square mile (321.4/km²). City's racial makeup is 58.54% White, 37.46% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.51% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Island, 0.37% of other races, and 2.68 % of two or more races. Hispanic or Latin of any race is 1.65% of the population.
There are 1,172 households where 30.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.9% are married couples living together, 25.4% have unmarried female households, and 38.3% are not family. 34.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.9% had someone living alone 65 or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the city, the age distribution of the population was 27.8% below the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% 65 years or older. The average age is 37 years. For every 100 women, there are 75.6 males. For every 100 women age 18 and over, there are 71.3 men.
The average income for households in the city is $ 17,979, and the average income for families is $ 23,929. Men have an average income of $ 30,078 compared to $ 20,670 for women. The per capita income for the city is $ 12,387. About 30.5% of families and 34.2% of the population are below the poverty line, including 46.8% of those under the age of 18 and 30.2% of those aged 65 and older.
Crime
Crisfield acquired a new police chief in 2007 - Chief Michael L. Tabor, who retired from the Baltimore Police Department to head up law enforcement in the city. Since then, crime rates have continued to decline, generally halving between 2006 and 2008. The most prevalent crime in this city is property crime, down from 180 in 2006 to 92 in 2008. Theft is also very common. Cruel crimes, such as murder and rape, are rare, although the numbers are also declining. In January 2010, it was reported that Crisfield had an 81% drop in crime rates of all kinds since 2007.
Economy
The Crisfield economy is largely centered on retail, health care, and automotive. Seafood is also an important part of Crisfield's economy, as it is for most of its existence, with several packaging factories in the city. The greatest employer within the confines of Crisfield is the McCready Memorial Hospital. The second largest company in the city is the Sherwin-Williams factory (formerly Rubberset company), which produces brushes and roller covers.
In the past, the economy centered on watermen and seafood. About 150 seafood processing and packing plants are located within the city in its heyday. When the health of the Chesapeake Bay began to decline, so did the number of blue crab catches, which have dropped by 70% since the 1990s. Rules have been placed on the female crab harvest to control excessive harvesting.
Most of the workforce in Crisfield works out of town and elsewhere on the peninsula - the largest seafood company in Somerset County is located close at Hopewell. In addition, a new industrial park, which is scheduled for construction in early September 2013 to the north of Crisfield, near Carvel Hall and along MD 413, will expand the boundaries of the Crisfield company.
Culture
Because Crisfield became the main access point to Smith Island, this is an area with many unique Smith Island accent speakers. It also serves Smith Island cakes, Maryland state desserts, in many of its restaurants.
Annual event
Since 1986, Crisfield has hosted the Scorchy Tawes Pro-Am Fishing Tournament. The 3-day tournament features cash prizes for various categories of fishing, and nightly blind parties at Side Street Restaurant.
J. Millard Tawes Crab and the annual Clam Bake take place on the third Wednesday of every July. The event, which began in 1976, is named for the former governor who was born in Crisfield, and attracts many politicians from around the state every year.
Crisfield's biggest event is National Hard Crab Derby & amp; Fair, held every Labor Day weekend, which began in 1947. Derby Crab's main highlight includes a parade through Main Street, Little Miss, Mr. Little. and Miss Crustacean Pageants, Boat Docking Contest (which started in 1971), Crab Picking Contest, and Crab Bowl. The Crab Bowl turns Marina Somers Cove into a clearing with rides, concerts, sales stalls, and fireworks.
Museum
Crisfield owns several museums: the J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum, the Ward Brothers Workshop, and the J. Millard Tawes Library.
Government
Crisfield is said to have a council-mayor government. Administration is handled by the City Manager, designated by the mayor and city council. The mayor is chosen by Crisfield residents, and council members as well. All serve four year terms.
Sports and leisure
The city once had a small league baseball team: Crisfield Crabbers, who played in the now defunct Eastern Shore Baseball League. Some small league baseball teams and high school sports teams stay in town.
Wellington Beach and Park opened with lifeguards and concession stands in the 1980s, but closed. However, through the Open Space Program, Crisfield receives funds to build and reopen it.
Crisfield's Wellington Beach and Park reopened in early 2012 as Brick Kiln Beach. However, after Hurricane Sandy crashed later that year, the beach was in need of a major reconstruction. The beach was renamed and reopened to the public on 2 June 2013 at 1 pm. The park has a play area, gazebo and bathroom during the summer months. It's also a popular crabbing spot.
Near Janes Island State Park is a large swampy island made of almost entirely undeveloped land, and colonized by various birds and marine life. It offers fishing, swimming beaches, picnics, camping, playgrounds, and has about thirty miles of waterways accessible by canoe. The beach allows swimming as well.
Education
Public schools
Two Crisfield public schools are part of the Somerset County Public School district, headquartered in Westover.
- Carter G. Woodson Elementary School - This school is located on South Somerset Avenue and currently serves K-5 grades. This changed from 2004, where it was a secondary school, serving grades 6-8; school consolidation in the area changed the school and gave him a renovation. Much earlier than that, the school was Crisfield Colored High School.
- Crisfield Academy and High School - Originally known as Crisfield High School, it is located on North Somerset Avenue between the junction of Potomac Street and Mercury Drive, and serves classes 8-12. Before consolidation, it was handled grade 9-12. The school is the first educational facility built outside of the original Crisfield Academy, and has existed in four different buildings in three different locations, all located near or on Somerset Avenue.
Private school
- Crisfield Christian Academy - The building located on Maryland Avenue just north of Maple Street, is the only private religious school in town. This school, however, is no longer in use
More
- Crisfield Head Start - The Crisfield Head from Caffery Head Start is located at Old Crisfield Elementary School # 3 on Jacksonville Road for over twenty years, until the mid-2000s, when the building was flattened to make way for the Food Lion. In 2010, the facility occupies the H. Dewayne Whittington Elementary School building on Asbury Avenue. Prior to the school's consolidation, the building was a public elementary school, serving the K-2 value.
Transportation
Traveling with water
Since Crisfield's heirloom is above the water, it has many access points to Tangier Sound and Chesapeake Bay.
Crisfield has two public docks. The town pier is located at the end of Main Street (MD 413). The town pier is a landing for post ships, large commercial vessels, and passenger ferries to Smith Island and Reedville, Virginia via Tangier Island. City dock pavilion is a popular site for public events. The county jetty, located one block west on the far end of Broad Street, was mostly used for transport, and was rehabilitated in the mid-2000s. The Little Boat Harbor, located on Brick Kiln Road is utilized mostly by smaller workboats.
Somers Cove Marina, a large marina built in Crisfield in the 1960s, is currently owned by the State of Maryland. Marina has many great events in the city, such as the National Hard Crab Derby.
Throughout the history of Crisfield, there has been a discussion of the high-speed ferry links between Crisfield and the West Coast, with large ships capable of accommodating large numbers of tractor vehicles and trailers. The proposed site for West Coast landings has ranged from Point Lookout State Park in Maryland to Reedville in Northumberland County, Virginia. Proponents say that high-speed ferry links will reduce travel time to adjacent points on the west coast by two and a half hours because the Bay Bridge is far from each other, spurring tourism and economic growth on both sides. The latest proposal came in the 2000s; However, it was considered that the ferry would not be economically viable. The money allocated to the ferry service was released to the city for an increase in the city pier.
Main road
The city of Crisfield is accessible to two major state highways: Maryland Route 413 (the main route through the city and known colloquially as "The Strip") and Maryland Route 667. Both routes connect directly to US Route 13, north-main street south of Delmarva Peninsula. In addition, Maryland Route 358 (Jacksonville Road) leads to the nearby Janes Island Park, and Maryland Route 460 (Hall Highway) is the primary access point to the hospital. Maryland Route 380 (Byrdtown Road and Main Street Extension) leads to the Crisfield outskirts of Lawsonia and Byrdtown; this area is often referred to by locals as "Down Neck".
The main roads that are not maintained by the state are Somerset Avenue, which is located at the north end of the city and travels south, parallel to the eastern border of the city and mostly led by houses; all public schools in the city are located in this corridor. There is also Main Street, which provides access to City Hall, post office, police, libraries, and many businesses in the city, and also cuts Somerset Avenue at the only traffic light in town. Main Street merges with Maryland Route 413 near Crisfield Fire Department, being a four-lane road. Broadway Avenue, parallel to Main Street one block south, was once the main business center of the city as well, fronted by many businesses and churches and passing directly through the city's marina; However, it no longer reaches the marina, and a large number of shops and warehouses in the vicinity have been closed down.
Bicycles and pedestrians
Currently, there is no bike infrastructure inside Crisfield. However, there are also proposals to change the abandoned Crisfield Secondary Branch with MD 413 to Crisfield-Westover Rail Trail. The plan includes a railroad transition to the bike lane after reaching the four-lane section of the highway.
Public transport
Two bus routes serving Crisfield, Route 706 North and Route 706 South, operated by Shore Transit, which provides commuter bus services to the lower East Coast. Both routes travel along Somerset Avenue and MD 413, and Cove Street, and stop at McCready Memorial Hospital. All buses provide access to the Princess Anne transportation center with limited services to Salisbury; so that riders can get access to other points on the East Coast.
Airport
Crisfield Municipal Airport is located near Hopewell. The main access road to the airport is on Hopewell Plantation Road, south of the intersection of MD 667 there; from Crisfield is accessible via Jacksonville Road. The airport has been the target of recent expansions.
Infrastructure
General utilities
Crisfield has three water towers and a common sewer system; both provide city services as far north of the Plantation Road in Hopewell. The newest water tower was installed in the early 2000s. It also has a wastewater treatment plant, which is mainly burdened and obsolete.
The main power provider in town is Delmarva Power, owned by Exelon, and a large substation located north of the city. Choptank Electric Cooperative also serves suburbs. In the past, Crisfield has a power plant, located downtown on Seventh Street. It was removed around the time of decommissioning of the rail, because the railroad once ended there; power is now tapped from the substation at Princess Anne via the subtransmission line. The main phone provider is Verizon Communications. In the mid-2000s, fiber optic cables were installed along the MD 413, improving internet services. A leading mobile tower is also installed at the center of Marion Station in the north in 2010.
Health care
Crisfield is currently home to the only hospital in Somerset County: McCready Memorial Hospital, accessible by Hall Highway and by Byrd Road from the north on Jacksonville Road. The next closest hospital is the Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. McCready Hospital is located on the Annemessex River, and is flanked by Alice Byrd Tawes Care House, built in 1968 and replaced by a new four-story building in 2010.
Famous people
- Ward Brothers, carved wood carvings, wild poultry, famous decoy makers
- J. Millard Tawes, Governor of Maryland 54th
- Harry Clifton Byrd, American university administrator, educator, athlete, coach, and politician
In popular culture
Crisfield and its surroundings are the setting for most books in the Tillerman Cycle series by Cynthia Voigt.
The movie Hookman 2 was mostly filmed at Crisfield in the winter of 2010-2011 and released in 2013. Crisfield is the birthplace of most of the cast and crew members and is called "Hometown, Maryland" in the film. This movie is currently available on Amazon and YouTube.
See also
- Eshelman
- Janes Island Light
- Marion Station, Maryland, a nearby community that is also prosperous because of the railroad tracks and regress later
- Tulls Corner, Maryland, the closest ghost town
- Crisfield Armory
- Crisfield Historic District
- WBEY-FM
References
External links
- http://www.crisfield.com/
- The Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce website
- Website for McCready Hospital and Tawes Treatment House
- Website for Crisfield Police Department
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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