He lives in the heart of the oyster producing region of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, an integral part of the Chesapeake Bay. The oyster has influenced human events by inciting enmity between peoples even though it is the most docile of all animals. It leads a solitary and sedentary life. Oyster wars have been fought over territorial rights to harvest this creature. And many men have died to establish this right.
Oysters are of great importance to Maryland.
Many people make their living from them. Although the industry here has been in a steep decline for the past few decades, its impact on the state's economy remains substantial. In early Maryland history certain Indian tribes along the rivers of the Chesapeake Bay at certain times of the year lived mainly on oysters which they ate raw or roasted. On the Nanticoke River, for example, evidence for the oyster as food for the Indians and even for the early settlers can be observed by casual strolling along the beaches. As the river has eroded the shoreline over the centuries, various distinct strata are exposed, giving insight to the manner of life of people occupying this area.