On September 13, 1786, William Murfree made available ninety-seven acres of his land on the south bank of the Meherrin River to establish a town that would facilitate commerce and serve the ease and convenience of planters in the interior parts of the state. The area was considered healthy, had good water, and had roads convenient to back settlements. The river channel was deep enough to allow vessels of any burden to land safely. These advantages helped create a thriving, busy river port that aided the commercial and educational development of the Town of Murfreesboro.