Somerset County

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Somerset County, on Maryland's Eastern Shore, is the State's southernmost county. The Chesapeake Bay forms its western boundary, Virginia its southern. A county with lots of water, Somerset attracts fishermen, hungers, tourists, and water sports fans. Somerset County was created in 1666. It is named for Mary Somerset, sister-in-law of Cecilius, second Lord Baltimore. Bordered by the Chesapeake Bay, the land is generally flat. The corn, soybeans, broilers (poultry), vegetables, livestock and dairy produced make it rank fourth in agriculture value among Maryland counties. Only 26% of the county is farmland, but agriculture is its biggest industry. Seafood and timber are also important to its economy. Somerset County hosts both the Skipjack (Maryland's state boat) Race and Festival and the National Hard Crab Derby and Fair . The county seat is Princess Anne.