 At that time, it was known as Shamokin, not to be confused with the present-day city of Shamokin, Pennsylvania, which is located to the east.In 1745, Presbyterian missionary David Brainerd described the city as being located on both the east and west sides of the river, and on an island.Brainerd reported that the city housed 300 Indians, half of which were Delawares and the other Seneca and Tutelo.