Our Town Revisited: East New Market

Now & Then

DORCHESTER COUNTY, Md. – We had a chance to wind back the clock and take a look at a story we first shared in November of 1999, when former WMDT anchor and reporter Kelley Rouse took us to East New Market.

That was just 25 years ago when we stepped foot in the quaint little town and discovered that a small area had a grand history and great people. In 2024, although much has changed, they continue to have great people and a rich history.

Existence 

Founded in 1660, East New Market has always been a staple in Dorchester County, and over the years, it has been pivotal not just to the county, but for the country. 82-year-old Marc Bramble says his family home has been passed down since 1780. “East New market has been, over the years, and the very early part of its existence was the center for agriculture, was a center for education, a center for religion, and a center for transportation.”

Marc remembers growing up in a town where everyone knew everyone, and says this town plays an important role in not just Maryland’s history, but America’s history. “The lower part of the county and upper part of the county actually contributed to the Military during the civil war… The agriculture actually was responsible for feeding General Washington’s militia.”

Education

East New Market prides itself on their High School which was built in 1912 and started off as a 5- room schoolhouse. Now all the surrounding students attend North Dorchester High School with grades 9th-12th and about 570 students. He recalls how education affected his family. “When I lived in East New Market as a preschooler, I knew everyone who lived in the town.”

Elders

The East New Market High School was transformed into the East New Market Senior Apartments which provides an affordable place to live for seniors that has 19 units. Marc tells us how these changes hit close to home. “The senior Housing actually was formerly a school, and it had 10 grades, because there were no 11th or 12th grade at the time. my mom graduated from that school.”

Established 

Back when we visited in 1999, their population was around 300 residents and now, we’re told the population has doubled. Many of the homes built in the 18th century are still standing, and It’s safe to say, this community will continue to be a hub of history. Marc says, “Some of the architecture relates back to colonial time. And East New Market contributed to colonial Maryland, through its again, education, through its agriculture, through its transportation which was very limited at that time.”

Marc says now a days people don’t know much, if anything about their area and it’s important to know the history of your town and speak to the elders who lived through those times. To find out more about East New Market, and their rich history along the shore, visit their website.