In 1979 several hundred acres along the west bank of the Wicomico River were transformed from farmland into the beautiful communities of Nithsdale and West Nithsdale.  The development of these properties was the vision of Mr. and Mrs. Otis G. Esham, Sr. The Esham’s along with their three sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren have enjoyed living on this beautiful land since the early 1950’s.  It was time to create neighborhoods that would welcome hundreds of new families to share in the tranquility of “New Nithsdale.”

New Nithsdale is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Otis G. Esham, Sr. It rises peacefully from a high bluff overlooking the Wicomico River about four miles downstream from the center of Salisbury.  Rockawalkin Creek enters the Wicomico River just to the west.  The Land on which the Esham’s made their livelihood for many years date back to a Scottish land grant somewhere in the early 1700’s.  The original portion of New Nithsdale is a one and one half story brick structure, which now appears as the right side of the Esham home.  In 1956 the Eshams completed renovations to the original wing and added the main house and garage.

There are many original features that were preserved in the restoration.  These include the glaze on the brickwork headers of purple, alternating with the pale salmon bricks; two windows in the front and back are capped with rubbed brick arches, the front door is a five paneled door with a three-light transom overhead, and all interior doors are hand-worked, hang-pegged and five paneled.

In addition, the east room, to the right of the main hall, contains a large restored pale salmon brick fireplace.  In the west room are split laths, shell and horsehair plaster walls, and a smaller fireplace flanked by two closets.  One the second floor the west bedroom has two closets hidden behind a fully paneled (hand-carved!) wall and small fireplace.  Most of the wide planted flooring is original. 

Near New Nithsdale is located a small cemetery with than a 19th century markers.  Each marker remembers a family who enjoyed the property that we enjoy today.  Some of the names that remain are McBryde, Hooper, and Slemonds.

In 1985 the Esham’s expanded the development of their farmland with the addition of West Nithsdale Estates.  This property was further downstream on the Wicomico River and just east of Rockawalkin Creek.  Approximately 125 lots were laid out along streets that kept the Scottish allure with name and entry landscaping that conjures up images of the Old World!

Welcome to the tradition and family that permeates the communities of Nithsdale and West Nithsdale.  Take pride in the history of the land on which your family will grow and experience the finest of Eastern Shore living that exists.