Snow Hill Historic District | Ocean City

The Snow Hill Historic District, encompassing roughly 80 percent of the town of Snow Hill, Maryland, represents one of the most significant and well-preserved historic areas on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Designated in 2002 as a local historic district, it serves to protect and celebrate the town’s rich architectural, cultural, and historical heritage, maintaining the character and integrity of a community that has evolved continuously since its founding in the late 17th century.

Historical Context and Development

Snow Hill, founded in 1686 and named after the English estate of the land’s original proprietor, was established as a port and county seat on the Pocomoke River. It became an important hub for commerce, shipbuilding, and agriculture, with its prosperity reflected in the architecture and urban planning evident throughout the historic district.

The district’s expansive boundaries cover the original colonial town layout as well as numerous buildings and homes constructed through the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, illustrating the town’s growth and changing architectural tastes over more than 300 years.

Architectural Significance and Styles

The district boasts a diverse collection of architectural styles, reflecting various periods and cultural influences:

Colonial and Georgian: Early structures within the district showcase traditional colonial design with symmetrical facades, gabled roofs, and modest decorative details, reflecting the practical needs and stylistic preferences of 17th and 18th-century settlers.

Federal Style: Many residences and public buildings feature the refined elegance of the Federal style, characterized by balanced proportions, elliptical fanlights, and decorative moldings, common in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Gothic Revival: Exemplified by churches such as All Hallows Episcopal Church (1748–1756) and Makemie Memorial Presbyterian Church (1888), Gothic Revival architecture in the district is marked by pointed arches, steeply pitched roofs, and ornamental detailing, emphasizing the town’s religious and social importance.

Queen Anne and Victorian: The Governor John Walter Smith House, built in 1889, stands as a prime example of Queen Anne architecture, with its asymmetrical design, complex rooflines, patterned shingles, and stained glass windows. Victorian-era homes with ornate trim, bay windows, and decorative porches further enrich the district’s architectural tapestry.

Other Notable Residences: The George Washington Purnell House (circa 1860) presents Gothic Revival elements with detailed millwork and a cast-iron fence, indicating the affluence and social standing of mid-19th-century professionals.

Historic and Cultural Landmarks

The district includes several landmarks of particular historical importance:

All Hallows Episcopal Church: One of the earliest Anglican parishes in Maryland, dating back to the mid-18th century. Its architectural and religious heritage stands as a symbol of the early colonial establishment in the region.

Makemie Memorial Presbyterian Church: Named after Francis Makemie, often regarded as the father of American Presbyterianism, this church built in the late 19th century is both a spiritual and architectural landmark.

Julia A. Purnell Museum: Housed in a former Catholic church built in 1891, this museum is dedicated to the preservation of local history, displaying artifacts, textiles, photographs, and documents that chronicle over 500 years of Snow Hill’s past.

Preservation Efforts and Governance

To maintain the district’s historic character, Snow Hill established a Historic Commission responsible for reviewing proposed alterations, demolitions, or new construction within the district. Property owners must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness before making changes that affect the exterior appearance of historic buildings. These regulations ensure that renovations are sensitive to the original architectural style and do not compromise the historic fabric.

The town’s commitment to preservation has earned Snow Hill the designation as a Preserve America Community, recognizing its efforts to protect heritage resources while promoting heritage tourism and education.

Community Life and Events

The Snow Hill Historic District remains a vibrant and living community. Its residents take pride in their heritage, which is celebrated through a variety of local traditions and events. Among the most popular are:

Annual Oyster Roast: A festive gathering that honors the region’s maritime heritage, bringing together residents and visitors for food, music, and socializing along the Pocomoke River.

Pocomoke River Raft Race: This unique event features homemade rafts racing down the river, highlighting community spirit and connection to the waterway.

These events, coupled with walking tours and educational programs offered through the Julia A. Purnell Museum, enhance public appreciation of the district’s cultural richness.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to the Snow Hill Historic District can explore well-preserved streets lined with historic homes, churches, and public buildings, many featuring plaques or markers explaining their significance. Guided walking tours provide context about the town’s architectural styles, notable residents, and the evolution of Snow Hill as a maritime and commercial center.

The combination of preserved architecture, active community life, and accessible educational resources makes the district a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and travelers interested in Maryland’s Eastern Shore heritage.

Summary

The Snow Hill Historic District is an expansive and architecturally diverse area that encapsulates centuries of Maryland’s Eastern Shore history. It preserves a wide range of structures-from colonial homes to Victorian mansions and historic churches-each contributing to the story of a town shaped by commerce, religion, and community. Through careful preservation efforts, vibrant cultural traditions, and educational outreach, Snow Hill continues to honor its past while fostering a dynamic and engaged community, making the historic district a treasured asset for residents and visitors alike.