Totem Pole in Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City, Maryland is home to one of Peter Toth's famous Totem Poles. Peter Toth, an Hungarian immigrant, developed an interest in native North American culture and history. The plight of the Indians reminded him of the oppression he had experienced in Hungary.
He has sculpted a totem pole in each of the 50 states and another 15 in Canada. Accepting no money, he gave each totem pole as a gift to his adopted country. While traveling the states, he earned money by doing odd jobs and selling small carved objects. His purpose for carving the monuments was “to promote unity among all people,” and as a tribute to Native American culture.
Maryland's totem pole, part of the “Trail of the Whispering Giants,” represents the Assateague Indian. The monument was carved from 100 year-old oak and completed in 1976. The totem pole is located at the Inlet Park in downtown Ocean City.
**Photo courtesy Town Of Ocean City Tourism Office
