For thousands of years, Native Americans built villages along the fertile Cocolamus Creek and Juniata River, where the land offered hunting havens and rich ground for agriculture. After the 1754 Albany Treaty opened the territory in present Perry County to colonists, early pioneers warranted land there. Scotch-Irish settler James Gallagher moved into the Millerstown area, improved the land, warranted two hundred acres on September 23, 1766, and named his investment "Smithfield." In the years that followed, a larger settlement developed. Community tradition has held that the town was founded in 1780, leading to centennial and bicentennial celebrations in 1880 and 1980. Gallagher later deeded Smithfield, containing 222 acres and 125 perches, to David Miller, and a patent granted on March 25, 1790, gave Miller legal ownership. After naming the small town "Miller's town" in 1790, he was able to lay it out, and Robert Beatty bought the first plot that same year. In 1811, David Miller sold the tract and the town to Jacob Miller, who was not related, and Abraham Addams. The first known house was the Ferry Hotel, which served as the election office during pioneer days, and a ferry at Millerstown operated as early as 1788. In his 1872 History of Perry County, Silas Wright praised the place for its healthful location, easy access, and natural beauty along the Juniata.