Maryland’s Coast is filled with Indigenous history that stretches back thousands of years. The Nanticoke, Pocomoke, Assateague, and other Algonquin-speaking tribes lived in harmony with the land and waters of the Eastern Shore. Their legacy is still felt today in the county’s rivers, forests, and coastlines, where you can explore and connect with their culture.
Whether walking historic trails, paddling ancient waterways, or learning traditional crafts, Maryland’s Coast offers a unique way to experience Indigenous culture and history. Here are some must-visit destinations that offer a deeper connection to this rich heritage.
Walk the Ancient Beach to Bay Indian Trail 🌊👣🏞️
The Beach to Bay Indian Trail gives you the chance to follow in the footsteps of the Assateague, Pocomoke, Manokin, and Acquintaca tribes. This trail spans 141 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to the Chesapeake Bay, guiding visitors through landscapes that supported these tribes for centuries.
Signs along the trail provide insights into how the tribes lived. Visitors can see spots like the peaceful Nassawango Creek Cypress Swamp, where tribes once fished, and the Pocomoke River, a key waterway for travel and trade. The trail is more than just a scenic walk—it’s a path through the region’s deep Indigenous history.
Visit the Delmarva Discovery Museum 🦦🏛️🐟
To learn more about the daily lives of the indigenous tribes, stop by the Delmarva Discovery Museum in Pocomoke City. This interactive museum invites visitors to engage with history. You’ll see beautiful dugout canoes, woven baskets, and pottery—each piece telling a story of survival and connection to nature.
The museum also offers hands-on workshops throughout the year, where you can try basket weaving or pottery making. It’s a great way to connect with the craftsmanship of the Nanticoke and Pocomoke peoples.
A visit to the museum is more than a history lesson—it’s a meaningful way to understand Worcester County’s living indigenous culture.
Paddle the Historic Pocomoke River 🛶🌊🌲
One of the best ways to experience the land as the indigenous tribes once did is by paddling down the Pocomoke River. These calm, cedar-lined waters served as vital routes for fishing, transportation, and trade, and today they offer a peaceful connection to the past.
As you move through the water, picture the tribes in their hand-carved canoes, fishing and trading with nearby communities. Each paddle brings you closer to the deep bond these tribes shared with the river. At Shad Landing, you’ll find a modern-day tribute to this heritage with a dugout canoe exhibit created by the Pocomoke Indian Nation. This reproduction watercraft is crafted through traditional burning techniques under an outdoor shelter, showcasing the ancient skills once used to create these vessels. Open to the public during regular hours, this exhibit allows you to glimpse the craft and culture of the region’s native people.
If you prefer to explore by land, Pocomoke River State Park offers trails through forests that were once hunting grounds for the tribes. The park also hosts guided programs on the area’s indigenous history, enriching your connection to this storied landscape.
Experience the Magic of Assateague Island 🌊🐎🌞
While Assateague Island is famous for its wild horses, it also holds cultural importance for the Assateague and Nanticoke tribes. Though the island’s tough conditions—like storms, heat, and limited fresh water—made it hard to live on year-round, tribes visited seasonally to fish, hunt, and gather plants.
Today, Assateague’s rugged beauty continues to amaze visitors. As you walk its sandy trails or relax on its windswept beaches, you’ll understand why Indigenous peoples were drawn to this place. The salty breeze, ocean waves, and sight of wild horses create a connection to the island’s long history.
Explore Snow Hill and Chincoteague Bay 🌊🦪🐦
The marshes around Snow Hill and Chincoteague Bay were lifelines for the indigenous tribes. These areas were rich with fish, game, and plants, helping the tribes thrive.
Today, these peaceful landscapes still reflect the strength and skill of the Nanticoke and Pocomoke peoples. Whether you paddle through Chincoteague Bay or hike near Snow Hill, you’ll find natural sanctuaries that have supported life for centuries.
Honoring the Traditions of the Pocomoke Indian Nation 🌅🛶🏞️
Maryland’s Coast is dedicated to preserving the traditions of its indigenous tribes, especially the Pocomoke Indian Nation. Their deep connection to the land and their traditional crafts continue to influence life in the region today.
Throughout Worcester County, Maryland, events like storytelling, basket weaving, and pottery-making bring these traditions to life. These practices not only honor the past but also reflect a slower, more mindful way of living that still resonates here.
Discover, Experience, and Honor 🔍🌅🙏
Maryland’s Coast indigenous heritage is not just history—it continues to shape the culture today. The respect for nature, skilled craftsmanship, and connection to the land can still be felt in the rivers, forests, and towns that carry the legacy of the Algonquin peoples.
Explore the trails, paddle the rivers, and visit the museums. Maryland’s Coast offers a chance to connect with its indigenous roots in a way that’s both meaningful and unforgettable. Step into the past and discover the heart and spirit of the Maryland’s Coast heritage.
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