Harris family trading post

A large trading post run by the nine children of John Harris Sr. Placed at the interesection of the trails running from the Ohio to the Delaware rivers, and from the Potomac to the Susquehanna, it is of great commercial importance for both colonists and local tribes. The main building is on the East bank of the Susquehanna. A ferry owned and operated by the family provides the only safe crossing of the river, which is almost a mile wide in this part. The outpost is about 100 miles North of Harmer's Town (Havre de Grace) by river, and about 60 miles South of the Penn's Creek settlement.

Purpose / Function

Considered one of the best stores in the frontier for the first half of the 18th century, the Harris family's trade post offers almost anything a frontiersman or tradesman could desire – building materials and tools, food and drink, weapons, clothing, and ocassionally more specialised items from across the Atlantic. In spite of the lack of competition in the area, the prices are fair and the quality of the goods always guaranteed. Since 1733, the Harris family operates a ferry service for crossing the Susquehanna river.

History

The trading post was constructed by frontiersman John Harris Sr. in 1719, and quickly became pivotal in the development of the colony of Pennsylvannia. John Harris became widely known as a fair and honest trader to colonists and natives alike – a reputation which would be upheld by his sons, chiefly @Joh, after his death in 1748.

Founding Date

1719

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