Snow Hill, on the banks of the Pocomoke River, has been home to farmers, bankers, merchants, artisans, sea captains, and politicians for more than 300 years. Founded by English settlers from a part of London named Snow Hill," the town became a trading post on the Pocomoke and was designated a royal port by William and Mary of England. Trade was the engine that drove commerce in the town, and the Pocomoke River was the highway. Imported goods were brought into Snow Hill to be taxed, and lumber, tobacco, and crafts by local artisans were exported across the Atlantic. Snow Hill's economic success spread rapidly in the 19th century as steamboats carried passengers to Norfolk and Baltimore and the railroad brought opportunities to expand local markets. Hotels, shops, boarding houses, and stately homes sprang up as the economy expanded. Today Snow Hill boasts one of the largest concentrations of historic homes, churches, and commercial buildings still intact in the state of Maryland. Residents are committed to preserving the town's heritage so it will remain "the Treasure of the Eastern Shore."