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History and Facts of Harrison

   The History of Harrison

  • Population as of 2020 Census:  13,069 (2010 Census: 12,943)& (2000 Census: 12,152)
  • Land Area (Square Miles): 10.2
  • Elevation:  1,359 above sea level
  • Boone County Seat: Harrison
  • Current Sales Tax:  City of Harrison (temp) 1.25%, Boone County 1.25%, Arkansas 6.5% = 9%

Town Founder
The town of Harrison was surveyed and laid out by Col. Marcus LaRue Harrison, a Union officer, (consequently named after him) in 1869 during reconstruction after the Civil War.  Harrison was the surveyor that platted the city along Crooked Creek at Stifler Springs, and which makes it the county seat.  On March 1, 1876 a certificate of incorporation was issued for the town of Harrison.

Historical Facts

  •  In 1900, telephone lines connected the town to communities as far away as Eureka Springs (Carroll County) and Marshall (Searcy County). By 1905, 175 miles of lines and 435 telephones had been installed.
  • The death of outlaw Henry Starr took place in Harrison in 1921 and created national interest. Starr and accomplices attempted to rob the People’s National Bank on February 18. The attempt ended when former bank president W. J. Myer took a shotgun from the bank vault and fired, wounding Starr, who died four days later in the county jail.
  • Flood of May 7, 1961 flooded the south side of the square, 4 killed 

Notable Figures
Harrison has been home to several notable figures:  

 

Boone County Heritage Museum is located at 124 S Cherry St (or P O) Box 1094) in Harrison, AR.  You may contact them at 870-741-3312 or at bchm@windstream.net.  Their website is www.bchrs.org.  Look for them on Facebook or Twitter @BCHeritageM.

The non-profit Boone County Historical & Railroad Society, Inc meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:00 PM. They also publish Historian/Oak Leaves, three times a year.