Salisbury in Wicomico County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Drop to Drink
Pemberton Plantation Historic Trail
By Nate Davidson, January 18, 2011
1. A Drop to Drink Marker
In the colonial period, the safety of drinking water was uncertain, so people drank cider, wine, and distilled spirits instead. Each plantation made its own beverages. A cider press extracted juice from fruit. The cider could be consumed as is or left to ferment into "hard cider," which was slightly alcoholic. Cider was also distilled into highly alcoholic "apple jack." Isaac Handy also produced brandy. Some beverages from this and other Eastern Shore plantations were shipped via the Wicomico River and Chesapeake Bay to ports along the Atlantic Coast and beyond. The Pemberton Hall Plantation cider press was close to this spot. At the time of his death in 1762, Isaac Handy owned distillery equipment and 100 gallons of cider.Erected by Wicomico County Parks and Tourism, Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 38° 20.8′ N, 75° 38.633′ W. Marker is in Salisbury, Maryland, in Wicomico
By Nate Davidson, January 18, 2011
2. Marker Location
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nature's Pasture (within shouting distance of this marker); A Show of Wealth (within shouting distance of this marker); Plantation Barnyard (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The "Peculiar Institution" at Pemberton Plantation (about 300 feet away); Welcome to Pemberton Historical Park (about 300 feet away); Pemberton Hall (about 300 feet away); The Original Residents (about 400 feet away); Wicomico Wetlands (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salisbury.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2011, by Nate Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. This page has been viewed 473 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 22, 2011, by Nate Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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