Before 1679, Indians had a settlement here. The present village stands on parts of tracts once known as Paradise, Belmont, Huntington, and Gore. The community was called Leonard's Wharf about 1855 and later Medford's Wharf. In 1883, Choptank Post Office was established, taking its name from both the Indian tribe and the river. Shipping and industry spurred growth during the 1880's.