Near Port Deposit in Cecil County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Smith’s Falls

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 21, 2007

1. Smith's Falls Marker

Inscription. In 1608 Captain John Smith ascended the Susquehannah River until stopped by the rocks. On his map he calls this point “Smyths Fales” marking it by a + which he explains as meaning “hath bin discovered what beyond is by relation".

Erected 1934 by State Roads Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Historical Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1608.

Location. 39° 37.05′ N, 76° 7.95′ W. Marker is near Port Deposit, Maryland, in Cecil County. It is on Susquehanna River Road (Maryland Route 222) half a mile north of Granite Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Deposit MD 21904, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Wilmington, on the Eastern Shore,

and in Greater Philadelphia.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

in the Tidewater,

and in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: M-48 Tank Combat Medium (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rock Run Mill (approx. 0.4 miles away); Explore Your Chesapeake (approx. 0.8 miles away); Tollhouse and Covered Bridge at Rock Run (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named Rock Run Mill (approx. 0.8 miles away); Toll House & Tidewater Canal

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(approx. 0.9 miles away); Rock Run Landing (approx. 0.9 miles away); Miller's House (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Deposit.

Regarding Smith’s Falls. "Susquehannah", used in this marker's text, is not the current spelling used (the trailing "h" is now omitted).

Photographed by Adam Margolis, December 26, 2023

2. Smith’s Falls Marker

View of the rocks encountered by John Smith image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 21, 2007

3. View of the rocks encountered by John Smith

Replica of the shallop used by John Smith image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 21, 2007

4. Replica of the shallop used by John Smith

Port Deposit celebrated the 400th anniversary of John Smith’s exploration of the Chesapeake Bay. This 12 man shallop (combination row boat and sail boat) is visiting the waterways discovered by John Smith.

Another view of the shallop image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 21, 2007

5. Another view of the shallop

Credits. This page was last revised on December 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 4,777 times since then and 100 times this year. Last updated on December 20, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on July 21, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on December 26, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 21, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.