Snow Hill, Maryland Attractions

Snow Hill, Maryland Attractions

The Pocomoke River

The Pocomoke River, bordering Snow Hill on the northwest, is a state Scenic River with a fascinating past. Three-masted schooners brought freight and passengers. Later, the steam-boat followed a regular route between Snow Hill and Baltimore, and meeting the boat became a favorite pastime. Logs were rafted down the river to the thriving saw mill; fertilizer arrived on barges to meet agrarian demands. Homes featuring widow's walks and lanterns were built by seafarers. Lads defied their parents as they swam and dived from the bridge. Turtles and shad were netted and sold; young ladies were paddled by beaux.

The river today invites boat and canoe travel. Large mouth bass, perch and bluegills delight anglers, while the most adventuresome try their hand at spearing gar.

Snow Hill has two riverside parks - Byrd Park and Sturgis Memorial Park - for strolling, relaxing, picnicking and river-watching.

Worcester County Courthouse

Snow Hill, as the County Seat of Worcester, is the location of the County Courthouse. The first courthouse, built c. 1742, burned in 1834, in a fire which consumed 40 houses, 8 stores and 2 hotels as well. The second courthouse was built of brick, with a wooden cupola, for $10,000.00, with renovations including fire-proof vaults and a slate roof taking place in 1882-1883 at a cost of $8,530.00. The present courthouse was built in 1894 at a cost of $37,499.87 after its predecessor was destroyed by fire on the night of August 7, 1893. Additions to the 1894 structure have been made several times.

Julia A. Purnell Museum
The Julia A. Purnell Museum is located in a former Catholic Church building of cottage gothic architecture. The Museum was created by William Z. Purnell in the 1940's as a memorial to his mother, Julia A. Purnell, who lived from 1843-1943. It has a collection of artifacts including folk art, bathtubs, luggage, coins, garments, guns, fabric, tapistries and shoes. There are assemblages of early American tools of different kinds, including those for agriculture, tobacco processing, dentistry and household use. Professionally arranged and maintained exhibits showcase the thousands of artifacts from the Colonial Period to the late 19th century. Open April - October Mon.-Fri. 10-4, Sat.-Sun. 1-4.

Julia A. Purnell Museum

The Julia A. Purnell Museum is located in a former Catholic Church building of cottage gothic architecture. The Museum was created by William Z. Purnell in the 1940's as a memorial to his mother, Julia A. Purnell, who lived from 1843-1943. It has a collection of artifacts including folk art, bathtubs, luggage, coins, garments, guns, fabric, tapistries and shoes. There are assemblages of early American tools of different kinds, including those for agriculture, tobacco processing, dentistry and household use. Professionally arranged and maintained exhibits showcase the thousands of artifacts from the Colonial Period to the late 19th century. Open April - October Mon.-Fri. 10-4, Sat.-Sun. 1-4.

Mt. Zion One-Room School
	This one-room school, given to the Worcester County Teachers Association by Sam Shockley was moved in 1959 from rural Worcester County to its location on Ironshire Street. Recollections and gifts of former students and teachers have helped the Association refurbish it. The teachers desk was built by the grandfather of a former teacher.
Other gifts include the recitation bench, student desks, pot-belly stove, a bucket and dipper, and a good collection of antique texts. Tours are available by reservation. (632-0669)