I've driven Route 171 between Susquehanna and Hallstead for 3 years now and some big changes are happening that surprised me.

First, I have to give you the backstory so you can understand why the changes are happening.

Back in the 1800's a bitter winter brought Joseph Smith to what is now Oakland, PA to settle. There, Smith began translating "the Golden Plates", the source of information in the Book of Mormon. Smith later became the first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (which was first named the Church of Christ).

The area where Smith lived, along Route 171, is marked by a plaque and monument. The Church owns over 100 acres in that area and have begun restoring the homestead of Smith and his family.

That means moving Route 171! Yep, Route 171 is being moved a bit and the project is underway.

When all is said and done, there will be a homestead that tourists and the faithful can visit and Route 171 will be altered. I have no problem with any of that. I think the whole story is fascinating!

The Joseph Smith story is quite interesting and not only is Oakland involved, but Palmyra and Colesville as well as Fayette, all in New York.

This area is rife with history!

 

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