Monie Bay - Chesapeake Bay, MD

Cultural History

Artifacts indicate the presence of Native Americans in the Monie Bay area 13,000 years ago. During the early historical period, Monie Indians occupied this region. Colonial settlement began about 1665 with the movement of Quaker groups from the eastern shore of Virginia across the state line to Maryland seeking refuge from Virginia laws which prohibited their religious practices. The Monie "Hundred" or District was settled by both Quakers and members of the Church of England. By 1696, the Monie Bay District is estimated to have had a population of 900.

The plantation economy of Somerset County centered on tobacco in the early 18th century but diversified later in the century. The first half of the 19th century was prosperous for the county, but the Civil War time period was hard on the agricultural and minor industrial economy. Outmigration, agricultural competition and the breakdown of the slave labor system led to economic failure for many wealthy families.

Crisfield was connected to the railroad system in 1866; during the 1800's and 1890's, the shellfish industry boomed in this town. Shipbuilding was the most significant supportive industry during the 19th and 20th centuries. Princess Anne sustained its economy through the 19th century as a merchant town and county seat. Deal Island was the site of major water-oriented communities full of small businesses and watermen.

Monie Creek

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