The Great Bend of the Susquehanna River cuts through this valley as one of the oldest rivers in the world. In the early 19th century, river boatmen navigated vessels laden with lumber and other goods to urban markets such as Philadelphia. Settlers typically cleared the riverbanks, leaving open fields for grazing cattle and sheep. Joseph and Emma Smith’s property extended to the river’s midpoint. During spring floods, the water level rose enough to cover the area just ahead. Hundreds of boats and rafts pass by in a single day.