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As its name suggests,
Fruitland is closely associated with agriculture and the rich
bounty that is produced from the fertile soils of Maryland’s
lower Eastern Shore. Settled around 1820 at an intersection on a
major stagecoach route, the city was originally called
Disharoon’s Crossroads. As development arose around the fork in
the road, the name was changed to Forktown. That name lasted
until 1873 when the present one was adopted.
For over a hundred years, Fruitland grew at a modest rate
primarily as a bedroom community for Salisbury, its larger
neighbor to the north. But in the late 1970s, people began to
settle in the town in increasing numbers, attracted by superior
schools, recreational facilities, warm and friendly
neighborhoods, and a town government that put people first.
From 1980 to the end of the century, Fruitland was the
fastest growing community on the Eastern Shore. Under
progress-minded city councils, modern water and sewer systems
were constructed, an economic development commission was
established, and a local chamber of commerce was organized to
support existing businesses and attract new ones. The city’s
first industrial park is under way, offering Enterprise Zone
benefits.
Today, Fruitland enjoys the reputation of being a “can-do”
city, where government and civic leaders work together to
eliminate red tape and provide the quality of life that Eastern
Shore residents appreciate. “We will always respect and treasure
the heritage and legacy of our farming ancestors,” said City
Council president Ted Lokey. “But we greet the new century
confident of our direction and eager to embrace the challenges
of the future together.”
With superior service, progressive leadership, and one of the
lowest property tax rates of all the full-service municipalities
in Maryland, it is clear why Fruitland is indeed . . . “a Shore
pick!”
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