The site was settled by John Harris, established as a trading outpost at a point where the Susquehanna River was easily ferried. It was a natural crossroads, being regularly visited by Native American Indian traders. Trails led to both the Ohio River and the Delaware River, as well as other significant destinations. The settlement, known as Harris’s Ferry, was started around 1715 to 1718. This John Harris died in December 1740, leaving the land to his second son, also John Harris, who is considered to be the actual founder of Harrisburg. He laid out the city in 1785 and provided its name, Harrisburg, in honor of his father.