During the 1800’s, Deep River was the center of America’s ivory trade. Elephant tusks from Africa were brought to Deep River landing for local factories to make piano keys, combs, buttons, and billiard balls. Up to 100,000 elephants a year were killed, and their tusks were transported by slaves to sustain this trade. Deep River remembers its debt to this majestic creature as it looks forward to a new future as “Queen of the Valley.”