MARYLAND - In 1833, a significant proposal emerged in Delaware with the ambitious goal of uniting the Eastern Shore and Delaware under a single government. This proposal gained traction and found support in the Delaware legislature, as it was believed that the peninsula's people shared common characteristics and would quickly form a cohesive group. However, Maryland initially resisted this idea and questioned the feasibility of such a union. Many doubted whether the residents of the two regions would be willing to put aside their differences and come together as one.
The Eastern Shore And Delaware Under A Single Government
Despite Maryland's skepticism, negotiations continued, and eventually, an agreement was reached. Maryland agreed to let the people of the Eastern Shore counties decide their fate through a "general convention." This convention was eagerly anticipated, as it was seen as a pivotal step towards achieving the long-awaited union between the Eastern Shore and Delaware.
Unfortunately, the convention never materialized, dashing the hopes of those seeking unity. The dream of a united Delmarva seemed elusive, and it appeared that the proposal might be destined for failure. However, determined to see their vision realized, proponents of the union regrouped and made another attempt in the following year to allow the Eastern Shore to secede through a referendum. Despite their efforts, this second attempt did not gain the necessary momentum to move forward.
Despite several subsequent attempts in the following decades to establish a separate state of Delmarva, none would come as close to becoming a reality as the watershed 1833 proposal. Nevertheless, this proposal's legacy and its supporters' resilience would continue to shape discussions and conversations about regional unity in the years to come. The idea of a united Delmarva would remain a cherished dream, fueling aspirations and sparking debates throughout the region for generations.
