Harrison, Arkansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harrison
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City
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Historic downtown Harrison
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| Motto(s):
"Adventure Awaits You"
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Location of Harrison in Boone County, Arkansas.
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Arkansas | |
| County | Boone | |
| Platted | 1869 | |
| Incorporated | March 1, 1876 | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Council government | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 11.23 sq mi (29.09 km2) | |
| • Land | 11.21 sq mi (29.02 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.03 sq mi (0.07 km2) | |
| Elevation | 1,247 ft (380 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 13,069 | |
| • Estimate
(June 30, 2023)
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13,100 | |
| • Density | 1,166.35/sq mi (450.35/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central (CST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) | |
| ZIP codes |
72601-72602
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| Area code(s) | 870 | |
| FIPS code | 05-30460 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 2403805 | |
The city of Harrison is the county seat of Boone County, Arkansas, in the United States. It was named after Marcus LaRue Harrison, a surveyor who helped plan the city. Harrison is located along Crooked Creek at Stifler Springs.
In 2020, about 13,069 people lived in Harrison. This makes it one of the larger cities in Arkansas. Harrison is the main city in the Harrison Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Boone and Newton counties.
The city has faced challenges related to its past, including events that led to a reputation for racial issues. However, many people in Harrison are working hard to create a welcoming and diverse community today.
Contents
History of Harrison
Early Inhabitants
Native Americans were the first people to live in this area. Some of them were "cliff dwellers" who lived in caves along the rivers. Later, the Osage tribe was important in the Ozarks. One of their large villages might have been east of where Harrison is now. Other tribes like the Shawnee, Quapaw, and Caddo also knew the area.
Around 1816, the Cherokee arrived. They often had conflicts with the Osage. By the 1830s, both tribes were moved to Indian Territory.
It's possible that the first Europeans to visit were followers of Hernando de Soto. They might have camped at a Native village on the White River. More likely, French hunters or trappers explored the White River first.
19th Century Events
In 1857, a group of travelers called the Baker–Fancher wagon train gathered near Harrison. A monument in the town square remembers victims of a historical event from 1857.
Boone County was formed in 1869, after the Civil War. Harrison was planned and became the county seat. It was named after Marcus LaRue Harrison, a Union officer who surveyed the town. Harrison officially became a city on March 1, 1876.
20th Century Events
In the early 1900s, there were difficult times when some residents left the city due to racial tensions. This led to Harrison being known as a "sundown town," a place where non-white people were not encouraged to stay after dark.
In 1921, a famous bank robber named Henry Starr tried to rob a bank in Harrison. He was shot by the bank's former president and died the next day.
On May 7, 1961, heavy rain caused Crooked Creek to flood the downtown area. Water reached eight feet high in some buildings. Many buildings and cars were washed away. Four people died, and most of the business district was destroyed.
In 1962, Sam Walton opened his second Walmart store in Harrison.
In 1982, a group called Kingdom Identity Ministries was started in Harrison. This group is known for promoting views that are not accepting of all people.
21st Century Events
In 2003, Harrison created a Community Task Force on Race Relations. This group works to "promote diversity" and respond to accusations about the city's past. City leaders have tried to fight against organized groups that promote hate. They do this with educational events and billboards that encourage tolerance.
In 2014, a peace march was held in downtown Harrison to honor Martin Luther King Jr.. Later that year, a monument for the Confederacy was dedicated in Harrison.
In 2017, the mayor and county judge signed statements recognizing June as Confederate Heritage and History Month.
Kevin Cheri was the first African-American person to work in the area in 1978. He received threats and left, but returned in 2007. In 2019, Mayor Jerry Jackson honored him. Harrison also issued its first Black History Month statement that year.
In June 2020, about 300 people protested police actions in Harrison. They gathered while some armed people watched.
As of 2023, the Southern Poverty Law Center says that Kingdom Identity Ministries still has a location in Harrison.
Geography and Climate
U.S. Routes 62, 65, and 412 all go through Harrison. U.S. 65 goes north to Branson, Missouri, and south to Conway, Arkansas. U.S. 62 goes west to Eureka Springs. U.S. 412 goes west to Springdale.
Harrison has a total area of about 11.23 square miles (29.09 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.
Climate in Harrison
The climate in Harrison has hot, humid summers. Winters are usually mild to cool. Harrison has a humid subtropical climate. This means it gets plenty of rain throughout the year.
| Climate data for Harrison, Arkansas (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1891–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 81 (27) |
87 (31) |
98 (37) |
99 (37) |
99 (37) |
105 (41) |
112 (44) |
112 (44) |
106 (41) |
96 (36) |
86 (30) |
82 (28) |
112 (44) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 46.8 (8.2) |
51.6 (10.9) |
60.0 (15.6) |
69.2 (20.7) |
76.9 (24.9) |
85.0 (29.4) |
89.4 (31.9) |
89.5 (31.9) |
81.8 (27.7) |
71.3 (21.8) |
59.3 (15.2) |
49.1 (9.5) |
69.2 (20.7) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 37.5 (3.1) |
40.8 (4.9) |
49.4 (9.7) |
58.3 (14.6) |
66.9 (19.4) |
74.9 (23.8) |
78.9 (26.1) |
78.3 (25.7) |
70.7 (21.5) |
59.9 (15.5) |
48.5 (9.2) |
39.9 (4.4) |
58.7 (14.8) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 28.1 (−2.2) |
30.0 (−1.1) |
38.8 (3.8) |
47.3 (8.5) |
56.8 (13.8) |
64.8 (18.2) |
68.3 (20.2) |
67.0 (19.4) |
59.5 (15.3) |
48.5 (9.2) |
37.7 (3.2) |
30.7 (−0.7) |
48.1 (8.9) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −18 (−28) |
−20 (−29) |
−10 (−23) |
20 (−7) |
26 (−3) |
40 (4) |
41 (5) |
41 (5) |
30 (−1) |
16 (−9) |
5 (−15) |
−6 (−21) |
−20 (−29) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 2.96 (75) |
2.80 (71) |
4.20 (107) |
5.17 (131) |
5.54 (141) |
4.17 (106) |
3.74 (95) |
3.36 (85) |
4.40 (112) |
4.02 (102) |
3.88 (99) |
3.22 (82) |
47.46 (1,205) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 2.2 (5.6) |
3.4 (8.6) |
2.2 (5.6) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.2 (0.51) |
1.5 (3.8) |
9.5 (24) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 7.1 | 7.2 | 10.8 | 10.5 | 11.2 | 8.4 | 9.1 | 8.8 | 7.6 | 8.2 | 8.0 | 8.9 | 105.8 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 1.5 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.1 | 6.1 |
| Source: NOAA | |||||||||||||
| Climate data for Harrison, Arkansas (Boone County Airport) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1948–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 79 (26) |
87 (31) |
91 (33) |
92 (33) |
94 (34) |
107 (42) |
107 (42) |
112 (44) |
103 (39) |
92 (33) |
84 (29) |
78 (26) |
112 (44) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 46.9 (8.3) |
51.2 (10.7) |
60.3 (15.7) |
69.6 (20.9) |
76.6 (24.8) |
84.9 (29.4) |
89.1 (31.7) |
88.7 (31.5) |
81.4 (27.4) |
70.8 (21.6) |
59.0 (15.0) |
49.2 (9.6) |
69.0 (20.6) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 37.0 (2.8) |
40.9 (4.9) |
49.2 (9.6) |
58.3 (14.6) |
66.2 (19.0) |
74.4 (23.6) |
78.5 (25.8) |
77.6 (25.3) |
69.9 (21.1) |
59.4 (15.2) |
48.5 (9.2) |
39.7 (4.3) |
58.3 (14.6) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 27.2 (−2.7) |
30.6 (−0.8) |
38.1 (3.4) |
47.0 (8.3) |
55.8 (13.2) |
63.9 (17.7) |
67.9 (19.9) |
66.5 (19.2) |
58.5 (14.7) |
48.0 (8.9) |
38.0 (3.3) |
30.2 (−1.0) |
47.6 (8.7) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −13 (−25) |
−9 (−23) |
−9 (−23) |
22 (−6) |
32 (0) |
46 (8) |
50 (10) |
48 (9) |
33 (1) |
21 (−6) |
8 (−13) |
−11 (−24) |
−13 (−25) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 2.67 (68) |
2.42 (61) |
3.91 (99) |
4.98 (126) |
4.81 (122) |
3.85 (98) |
3.67 (93) |
3.42 (87) |
4.06 (103) |
3.81 (97) |
3.96 (101) |
2.94 (75) |
44.50 (1,130) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 8.2 | 7.7 | 10.4 | 9.9 | 11.8 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 8.1 | 8.0 | 9.1 | 8.4 | 8.1 | 108.2 |
| Source: NOAA | |||||||||||||
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 582 | — | |
| 1890 | 1,438 | 147.1% | |
| 1900 | 1,551 | 7.9% | |
| 1910 | 1,602 | 3.3% | |
| 1920 | 3,477 | 117.0% | |
| 1930 | 3,626 | 4.3% | |
| 1940 | 4,238 | 16.9% | |
| 1950 | 5,542 | 30.8% | |
| 1960 | 6,580 | 18.7% | |
| 1970 | 7,239 | 10.0% | |
| 1980 | 9,567 | 32.2% | |
| 1990 | 9,922 | 3.7% | |
| 2000 | 12,152 | 22.5% | |
| 2010 | 12,943 | 6.5% | |
| 2020 | 13,069 | 1.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2020 Census Data
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 11,501 | 88.0% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 53 | 0.41% |
| Native American | 85 | 0.65% |
| Asian | 148 | 1.13% |
| Pacific Islander | 14 | 0.11% |
| Other/Mixed | 766 | 5.86% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 502 | 3.84% |
In 2020, there were 13,069 people living in Harrison. There were 5,578 households and 3,198 families.
2010 Census Data
In 2010, Harrison had 12,943 people. Most residents were White (96.2%). About 2.2% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
About 23.2% of the people were under 18 years old. About 19.0% were 65 years or older. Females made up 53.1% of the population. Males made up 46.9%.
The average household income from 2007-2011 was $33,244. About 15.1% of people lived below the poverty line. The average value of homes owned by residents was $108,700.
Economy and Jobs
Harrison is home to the main office of FedEx Freight. This company is a major freight carrier that moves goods for businesses. Arkansas Freightways, which later became American Freightways, joined with Viking Freight to form FedEx Freight in 2001.
Top Employers
- FedEx Freight Inc. (Trucking and distribution)
- North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (Hospital and medical services)
- Walmart Inc. (Retail store)
- Pace Industries (Makes aluminum parts)
- Claridge Products and Equipment, Inc. (Makes markerboards, chalkboards, and bulletin boards)
- Windstream (Phone and internet services)
- Wabash Wood Products (Makes trailer floors)
- North Arkansas College (Education)
- WestRock, formerly RockTenn Company (Makes paperboard cartons)
City Architecture
The Boone County Courthouse was built in 1909. The Boone County Jail was built in 1914. Both buildings were designed by architect Charles L. Thompson. They are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places because of their historical importance.
Arts and Culture
Yearly Events
Harrison hosts several fun events each year:
- The Arkansas Hot Air Balloon races happen every September.
- The Crawdad Days Music Festival takes place each May.
- A Harvest Homecoming festival is held every October.
- A Christmas celebration happens in December.
Museums and Landmarks
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has recognized the Harrison Courthouse Square Historic District. This area has many of the city's original business and government buildings. These include the courthouse, the Lyric Theater, and the Hotel Seville. The Hotel Seville opened in 1929 and was fully restored in 2008.
Ozark Arts Council
The Ozarks Arts Council is a non-profit group started in 1996. Its goal is to "enrich lives by promoting the arts" in Harrison and North Arkansas. They support local arts groups through exhibitions, performances, and education.
The historic Lyric Theatre is managed by the Ozark Arts Council. It opened as a movie theater in 1929. Today, it hosts plays, concerts, old movies, and other community events.
Parks and Recreation
Harrison is home to the headquarters for the National Park Service's Buffalo National River. This park was created in the 1970s. It was the first national river in the United States. The river flows for 135 miles (217 km) and has over 59 different types of fish.
Crooked Creek flows through Harrison. It is known as a great place for smallmouth bass fishing.
Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls is located southwest of Harrison. At 209 feet (64 meters), it is the tallest waterfall between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians. Diamond Falls, at 148 feet (45 meters), is the second tallest in Arkansas.
A new Creekside Community Center is being built. It will have an Olympic-size pool, two smaller pools, two basketball courts, and an indoor music venue. It is expected to be finished before 2025.
Education in Harrison
Students in Harrison attend schools in the Harrison School District. The mascot for Harrison High School is the Golden Goblin. Harrison is also home to North Arkansas College (Northark). The Harrison School District has been part of the AdvancED commission since 2014.
Media and News
Print Media
The local newspaper, The Harrison Daily Times, has served Harrison and Boone County since 1876.
Radio Stations
Radio stations that broadcast from Harrison include:
- KBPB 91.9 FM (Religious music)
- KCWD 96.1 FM (Classic Rock music)
- KHBZ 102.9 FM (Country music)
- KHOZ 900 AM (Nostalgia music)
- KHOZ 94.9 FM (Nostalgia music)
- KBHQ 100.7 FM (Classic Rock music)
Television Stations
Harrison has its own TV stations, including KXMP-LD and K26GS-D. Harrison KTKO-TV 8.1, also known as TKO 8, covers local events. This includes Goblin Sports, Harrison City Council meetings, and Boone County Quorum Court meetings. It is part of the Me-TV Network, showing many classic TV shows. K26GS is a This TV channel and also provides local programming.
Harrison is part of the Springfield, Missouri, television market. This means it receives stations from Springfield, such as KYTV (NBC), KOLR (CBS), KSPR (ABC), KOZL (MyNetworkTV), and KRBK (Fox).
Harrison was also shown in a BBC TV show in the UK called Miriam's Big American Adventure.
Transportation
A train route between Seligman, Missouri, and Harrison, Arkansas, was used by the Arkansas & Ozarks Railroad from 1948 to 1960.
Harrison is served by Boone County Regional Airport. You can find flights from Harrison to Memphis, Tennessee, and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, through Southern Airways Express. The closest airport with more airline options is Northwest Arkansas National Airport.
Highways in the area include:
US 62/US 412
U.S. Highway 65
U.S. Route 65 Business
Arkansas Highway 7
Arkansas Highway 43
Arkansas Highway 123
Arkansas Highway 392
Arkansas Highway 397
Arkansas Highway 980
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Notable People
Many interesting people have connections to Harrison:
- Daniel Boatwright, a politician from California.
- Brandon Burlsworth, a talented football player for the Arkansas Razorbacks. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts.
- John Burris, a politician.
- George J. Crump, a Confederate officer and lawyer.
- John Paul Hammerschmidt, a U.S. representative who helped protect the Buffalo National River.
- Ben C. Henley, a lawyer and politician who lived in Harrison.
- J. Smith Henley, a federal judge. The federal building in Harrison is named after him.
- Elgin Bryce Holt, a geologist.
- Courtney Rae Hudson, an Arkansas Supreme Court justice, was born in Harrison.
- H. Dale Jackson, an ethicist.
- Uvalde Lindsey, a politician.
- Brian McComas, a country-western singer from Harrison.
- Bryce Molder, a professional golfer, was born in Harrison.
- Gracie Pfost, the first woman elected to Congress from Idaho, was born in Harrison.
- Charles Robinson, Arkansas State Treasurer.
- Tim Sherrill, a former pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Vance Trimble, a journalist who won a Pulitzer Prize.
- Robert Wadley, a politician.
- William Wirt Watkins, a politician.
- John A. White, a former President of the University of Arkansas.
- Jack Williams, a recipient of the Medal of Honor.
Images for kids
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Historic downtown Harrison
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Location of Harrison in Boone County, Arkansas.
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Logo of Harrison, Arkansas
See also
In Spanish: Harrison (Arkansas) para niños
