Harrison, Roanoke, Virginia facts for kids
Harrison is a neighborhood in Roanoke, Virginia. It started growing in the 1920s. Think of it as one of Roanoke's first "suburbs" or smaller communities outside the main city center.
This neighborhood is in the middle of Roanoke. It shares its borders with other neighborhoods. To the north are Melrose-Rugby and Washington Park. To the south is Gilmer. Gainsboro is to the east, and Loudon-Melrose is to the west.
A main road called U.S. Route 460 (also known as Melrose/Orange Avenue) forms its northern edge. In 2000, about 1,019 people lived in Harrison. There were 393 homes there at that time.
A Look Back: Harrison's History
Many buildings in Harrison were built between 1900 and 1920. This makes Harrison one of Roanoke's oldest neighborhoods with a strong African-American heritage. It has been a home for African-American families for a very long time.
Important Places in Harrison
Harrison is known for some very special places. Two of the most important were the Harrison School and the Burrell Hospital. These were the first buildings in Roanoke built specifically to serve the African-American community. They provided education and healthcare when these services were not easily available elsewhere.
Today, Harrison is also famous for its many homes built in the American Foursquare style. These houses often have a square shape and two stories. You can also visit the Harrison Museum of African-American Culture. This museum is located in the old Harrison School building. It helps everyone learn about the rich history and culture of African-Americans in the area.
