Harrison County, Indiana#References

{{see also| History of Indiana}}

File:Southern edge of Swan's Landing.jpg

Humans first entered what would become Indiana near the end of the last ice age. This region was of particular value to the early humans because of the abundance of flint. There is evidence of flint mining in local caves as early as 2000 BCE; the stone was used to produce crude tools. Passing migratory tribes frequented the area which was influenced by succeeding groups of peoples including the Hopewells and Mississippians.{{Sfn|Dick|2000|p=7}} One flint-working and camping location is the Swan's Landing Archeological Site, one of the most important Early Archaic archaeological sites in eastern North America.{{Cite journal |last=Smith |first=Edward E. |date=1995 |title=The Swan's Landing Site (12Hr304): An Early Archaic (Kirk Horizon) Site in Harrison County, South-Central Indiana |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/20708379 |journal=Midcontinental Journal of Archaeology |volume=20 |issue=2 |pages=192–238 |issn=0146-1109 |jstor=20708379 |access-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006041115/https://www.jstor.org/stable/20708379 |url-status=live }} Permanent human settlements in the county began with the arrival of American settlers in the last decade of the 18th century.{{Sfn|Dick|2000|p=7}}

The area became part of the United States following its conquest during the American Revolutionary War. Veterans of the revolution received land grants in the eastern part of the county as part of Clark's Grant. Daniel Boone and his brother Squire Boone were early explorers of the county, entering from Kentucky in the 1780s. Harvey Heth, Spier Spencer, and Edward Smith were among the first to settle in the county beginning in the 1790s. Smith built the first home in the area of Corydon.{{Sfn|Dick|2000|p=8}}

Harrison County was originally part of Knox County and Clark County but was separated in 1808. It was the first Indiana county formed by the Indiana territorial legislature instead of the Governor,{{Sfn|Funk|1969|p=118}} and the fourth to be formed in the future state of Indiana (after Knox and Clark; also Dearborn County was formed in 1803 when the eastern territory borderline with Ohio was adjusted to transfer the "Gore" to Indiana Territory). Portions of the county were later separated into parts of Crawford, Floyd, Washington, Jackson, Clark, Lawrence, Perry, Scott and Orange Counties.{{Sfn|Roose|1911|p=122}} The county was named for William Henry Harrison, the first governor of Indiana Territory, a General in War of 1812, hero of Tippecanoe, and the 9th U.S. President.{{Sfn|Funk|1969|p=118}} Harrison was the largest land holder in the county at the time and had a small estate at Harrison Spring.{{Sfn|Goodrich|1875|p=560}}

File:Squire Boone Caverns burial cave 1.jpg

Squire Boone settled in what is now Boone Township in 1806. He died in 1815 and is buried in a cave near his home, Squire Boone Caverns. James, Isaiah, and Daniel (son of Squire) Boone settled in Harrison County's Heth Township during the first decade of the 1800s.{{Sfn|Crayden|1959|p=6}} The county's first church was built by Boone east of present-day Laconia.{{Sfn|Dick|2000|p=8}} The church, which has been reconstructed, is known as Old Goshen. Jacob Kintner settled near Corydon in about 1810. He was one of the wealthiest settlers and amassed a {{convert|700|acre|km2|adj=on}} tract of land around Corydon, built a large home, and maintained an inn.{{Sfn|Dick|2000|p=10}} Paul and Susannah Mitchem became Quakers and immigrated to Harrison County from North Carolina in 1814, bringing with them 107 slaves whom they freed after arriving. Although some of the former slaves left, the group became one of the largest communities of free black people in the state.{{Sfn|Dick|2000|p=34}}

The first road was built in Harrison County in 1809 connecting Corydon with Mauckport on the Ohio River. A tow-and-ferry line was operated there by the Mauck family bringing settlers into the county from Kentucky. This road and ferry greatly expanded the county's economic viability and ease of access to the outside world, leading to a rapid settlement of the area. The county's population more than doubled in the following decade.{{Sfn|Crayden|1959|p=7}}

Dennis Pennington, who lived near Lanesville, became one of the county's early leading citizens and speaker of the territory's legislature.{{Sfn|Dick|2000|p=12}} Corydon began competing with other southern Indiana settlements to become the new capital of the territory after its reorganization in 1809. Hostilities broke out in 1811 with the Native American tribes on the frontier, and the territorial capital was moved to Corydon on May 1, 1813, after Pennington suggested that it would be safer than Vincennes.{{Sfn|Dick|2000|p=16}} For the next twelve years, Corydon was the political center of the territory and subsequent state. A state constitution was drafted in Corydon during June 1816 and after statehood (December 1816) the town served as the state capital until 1825.{{Sfn|Goodrich|1875|p=560}}

The first division of the county occurred in 1814 when the northern portion of the county was separated to become Washington County. In 1818 the western part of the county was partitioned off to become Crawford County.{{Sfn|Roose|1911|p=124}} In 1819 Floyd County was created out of the eastern part of the county.{{Sfn|Roose|1911|p=129}} Since that time, Harrison County's eastern border has had minor adjustments through land transactions with Floyd County; the last change occurred in 1968.

The northern part of the county is known as the barrens, named by the early settlers for its scarce timber. At first, settlers preferred the southern areas where wood was available.{{Sfn|Roose|1911|p=16}} The barrens were swept by annual wildfires that prevented the growth of trees. The largest barren ran from the northern edge of Corydon northward to Palmyra, and from the Floyd Knobs in the east, westward to the Blue River. The Central Barren covered most of the upper middle part of the county. As settlement expanded and farming grew in the early 19th century, settlers found the barrens to be fertile farmland, and they were quickly settled. As settlement increased, the wildfires were stopped and by the start of the 20th century the uninhabited parts of the barrens had become forested and have remained so until modern times.{{Sfn|Roose|1911|p=17-18}}

A large meteorite fell near Buena Vista on March 28, 1859. The impact site and a part of the meteorite have been preserved.{{Sfn|Crayden|1959|p=3}}

File:Corydon train wreck1902.jpg

The first Harrison County fair was held in Corydon in 1860; it has been an annual event since then and is the state's longest continuously running fair.{{Sfn|Crayden|1959|p=1}} The county fairground was built in Corydon on Edward Smith's former homesite. The original grandstand burned in 1960 and the county purchased a new grandstand from the minor league baseball team at Parkway Field in Louisville, Kentucky.{{Sfn|Dick|2000|p=38}}

The only Civil War battle fought in Indiana occurred in Harrison County on July 9, 1863, between the Harrison County Legion and a Confederate group under Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan, during Morgan's Raid.{{Sfn|Funk|1969|p=86}} Morgan crossed the Ohio River into Harrison County in the early hours of daylight, resisted by artillery fire from the Indiana shore and an armed river boat. Confederate artillery returned fire from the opposite shore, and the Legion retreated towards Corydon. The citizens of Mauckport fled the town carrying their valuables.{{Sfn|Funk|1969|p=86}} Morgan landed on the east side of Mauckport with two thousand cavalry and marched north burning homes, farms, and mills.{{Sfn|Funk|1969|p=86}} The county militia made a stand to block his advance on the county seat and the resulting conflict is known as the Battle of Corydon. The battle was won by the Confederates and the town of Corydon was then sacked and stores were looted and ransomed. The battle left 4 dead, 12 wounded, and 355 captured.{{Sfn|Funk|1969|p=87}} After the battle, Morgan continued into northern Harrison County where he looted the New Salisbury area with the main body of troops. Crandall and Palmyra were robbed and sacked by detachments. His forces left the county the following day; they were eventually defeated and captured by Union Army forces.{{Sfn|Funk|1969|p=87}}

File:Corydonwarmememorial.jpg

The railroad reached Harrison County in 1869. A line was completed across the northern half of county in 1874 running from Floyd County connecting Crandall and then continuing west into Crawford County.{{Sfn|Crayden|1959|p=11}} A southward extension connecting Corydon to Crandall was completed in 1882. A train wreck killed three in 1902.{{Sfn|Crayden|1959|p=12}} The southern extension connecting Corydon was purchased by the Corydon Scenic Railroad Company in 1989. It operated as a tourist attraction until its 2003 closing, which ended passenger service in the county.{{Cite book |last=Longest, David E. |title=Railroad Depots of Southern Indiana |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |year=2005 |isbn=0-7385-3958-9 |page=91}}

The first county courthouse was a small log building. When Corydon became the territory capital in 1813, county and territorial officials shared the building. By 1816 a stone building had been constructed, and it served as both Harrison County Courthouse and the state capital building until the capital was moved in 1825. As more space was needed, other buildings were constructed to supplement the courthouse. In the 1920s, the latest of these office buildings was razed to make way for a new courthouse; the old building was acquired by the State of Indiana and preserved as the first state capitol building. The new courthouse was completed in 1928 at a cost of about $250,000.{{#tag:ref|A $250,000 capital expense in 1928 would be roughly equivalent to $14,500,000 in 2010.Williamson, Samuel H. (2011). Seven Ways to Compute the Relative Value of a U.S. Dollar Amount, 1774 to present. [http://www.measuringworth.com MeasuringWorth] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610090500/https://www.measuringworth.com/ |date=June 10, 2017 }}.|group="n"}} The building was designed by Fowler and Karges of Evansville and was constructed by J. Fred Beggs and Company of Scottsburg.{{Cite book |last=Counts |first=Will |title=The 92 Magnificent Indiana Courthouses |last2=Jon Dilts |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1991 |isbn=978-0-253-33638-5 |location=Bloomington, Indiana |pages=68–69}}{{Sfn|Dick|2000|p=15}}

The Harrison-Crawford State Forest was started in 1932 when the State of Indiana purchased land in western Harrison County. The {{convert|26000|acre|km2|adj=on}} park is the largest state forest in Indiana and surrounds the O'Bannon Woods State Park, as well as the Wyandotte Caves located in eastern Crawford County.

File:Walsh Bridge 3.jpg

The Matthew E. Welsh Bridge was completed in 1966 in Mauckport, to connect Harrison County with neighboring Meade County in Kentucky. This is the only bridge over the Ohio River between Tell City and New Albany.{{Sfn|Gugin|2006|p=339}} In 1969 Samuel Hays donated the {{convert|311|acre|km2|adj=on}} Hayswood Nature Reserve to the county. It was developed in 1973 by the Harrison County Park Board by adding public facilities to the western part of the preserve. It is the second largest nature reserve in the county.{{Cite web |title=Hayswood Nature Reserve |url=http://www.harrisoncoparks.com/HNR.html |access-date=February 3, 2010 |publisher=Harrison County Park and Recreation Department |archive-date=July 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729122835/http://www.harrisoncoparks.com/HNR.html |url-status=live }}

Caesars Indiana opened a casino river boat, hotel complex, and golf course in 1998, boosting the county's tourism industry. The casino complex was purchased and became Horseshoe Southern Indiana on July 11, 2008.Harrison County Chamber of Commerce, p. 21.

File:Map of Harrison County, Indiana.svg

Harrison County is located in the far southern part of Indiana, about halfway between the state's east and west borders. The Ohio River defines the county's southern border; across the river lies the state of Kentucky and the city of Louisville. The Blue River defines most of the county's western border; a straight north–south section of the border exists near the line's midpoint.{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Harrison+County,+IN/@38.1414056,-85.9941141,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x886936f4501a6e0d:0x542192020a6633cb!8m2!3d38.1701136!4d-86.1751759|title=Harrison County · Indiana|website=Google Maps|access-date=August 1, 2020|archive-date=October 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006103322/https://www.google.com/maps/place/Harrison+County,+IN/@38.1414056,-85.9941141,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x886936f4501a6e0d:0x542192020a6633cb!8m2!3d38.1701136!4d-86.1751759|url-status=live}}

The county terrain was heavily forested in its lower half when settlers arrived. At present, a portion is still wooded, with the remainer devoted to agriculture or urban development. The terrain slopes to the south and west, with its highest point ({{convert|972|ft|m|abbr=off|disp=x|/|sp=us}} ASL) on Lagle Ridge, {{convert|2|mi|km}} NE of Depauw.{{Cite web|url=https://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=22972|title=Lagle Ridge - Peakbagger.com|website=peakbagger.com|access-date=August 1, 2020|archive-date=October 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006104010/https://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=22972|url-status=live}}

The western part of the county is drained by the Blue River, flowing southward. The central part is drained by the southwest-flowing Indian Creek, and the lower part of the county is drained by the three forks of Indian Creek. There are only large two bodies of water (other than rivers) within the county's borders, and both are man-made: Lake Coleman is part of Buffalo Trace Park near Palmyra, and the middle fork of Buck Creek has been dammed in Posey Township. There are also smaller bodies, such as the pool at the discharge of Harrison Spring, an abandoned stretch of the Ohio River near the discharge point of Indian Creek, known as "Overflow Pond", and a small pond {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} ESE of Lanesville.

According to the 2010 United States Census, the county has a total area of {{convert|486.52|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|484.52|sqmi}} (or 99.59%) is land and {{convert|2.00|sqmi}} (or 0.41%) is water.

Harrison Spring is located west of Corydon; it is {{convert|60|ft|m}} in diameter and is over {{convert|40|ft|m}} deep, making it the largest and deepest spring in Indiana. It rises from a solid rock in a level spot of land, and its flow was sufficient to power flour mills in the past. Is the largest spring by volume in Indiana producing over 3 million gallons (11 million liters) of water daily. The name recognizes William Henry Harrison, who owned this area.{{Sfn|Roose|1911|p=23}}

Harrison County is hilly in parts. The Knobstone Escarpment begins in the southeastern part of the county, rises sharply at the Ohio River, and runs along the eastern edge of the county. The "knobs" are the most significant series of hills in Indiana, with the highest knobs near the Ohio River towering {{convert|610|ft|m}} over the surrounding valley.{{Sfn|Logan|1922|p=90}} This is the greatest local relief difference in the state.{{Sfn|Logan|1922|p=91}}

Although the county was largely forested prior to settlement, an island prairie existed in the county's southern half. This was the most isolated and furthest south occurrence of prairie habitat in Indiana.{{cite web |last=Betz |first=Robert F. |url=https://images.library.wisc.edu/EcoNatRes/EFacs/NAPC/NAPC05/reference/econatres.napc05.rbetz.pdf |title=The Prairies of Indiana |website=library.wisc.edu |access-date=May 15, 2024}} A remnant section of this prairie, adjoining by a larger section of restored prairie, comprises the easternmost section of O'Bannon Woods State Park. A 0.8 mile guided trail through the prairie is open to the public.{{cite web |url=https://www.in.gov/dnr/nature-preserves/files/np-Post_Oak-Cedar_coloR.pdf |title=Post Oak-Cedar Nature Preserve |website=Indiana Department of Natural Resources |access-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-date=October 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017224722/https://www.in.gov/dnr/nature-preserves/files/np-Post_Oak-Cedar_coloR.pdf |url-status=live }}

The western part of the county is preserved as the Harrison-Crawford State Forest and the O'Bannon Woods State Park. The county has extensive cave systems including Squire Boone Caverns, the Binkley Cave System (Indiana Caverns) and smaller, highly decorated caves such as Jewel Box and Devil's Graveyard caves.

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}

• Washington County – north
• Floyd County – east
• Hardin County, Kentucky – southeast
• Jefferson County, Kentucky – east
• Meade County, Kentucky – southwest
• Crawford County – west

{{div col end}}

{{col div|colwidth=15em}}

• Corydon (county seat)
• Crandall
• Elizabeth
• Laconia
• Lanesville
• Mauckport
• Milltown
• New Amsterdam
• New Middletown
• Palmyra

{{col div end}}

{{col div|colwidth=20em}}

• Bradford
• Bridgeport
• Buena Vista
• Byrneville
• Central
• Central Barren
• Corydon Junction
• Depauw
• Dogwood
• Evans Landing
• Fairdale
• Fishtown
• Frenchtown
• Glidas
• Moberly
• Mott
• New Boston
• New Salisbury (Census-designated place)
• Ramsey
• Rosewood
• Sugar Grove
• Valley City
• White Cloud

{{div col end}}

{{div col|colwidth=15em}}

• Blue River
• Boone
• Franklin
• Harrison
• Heth
• Jackson
• Morgan
• Posey
• Spencer
• Taylor
• Washington
• Webster

{{div col end}}

• Wynnsboro

{{climate chart

|Corydon, Indiana

|21|41|3.68

|24|48|3.50

|33|59|4.79

|41|69|4.73

|49|77|5.06

|59|85|4.80

|63|88|4.24

|61|87|3.89

|53|81|3.56

|41|70|3.13

|34|57|4.35

|25|46|3.99

|float=right

|units=imperial

|clear=both

|source=The Weather Channel{{Cite web |title=Monthly Averages for Corydon IN |url=http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USIN0133 |access-date=January 27, 2011 |publisher=The Weather Channel |archive-date=September 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924185451/https://weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USIN0133 |url-status=live }}}}

Harrison County is in the humid subtropical climate region of the United States along with most of Southern Indiana. Its Köppen climate classification is Dfa,{{Cite web |title=Köppen Climate Classification for the Conterminous United States |url=http://snow.cals.uidaho.edu/clim_map/koppen_usa_map.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930221052/http://snow.cals.uidaho.edu/Clim_Map/koppen_usa_map.htm |archive-date=September 30, 2009 |access-date=January 23, 2011 |publisher=Idaho State Climate Services}} meaning that it is cold, has no dry season, and has a hot summer. However, it is close to the southern edge of this region.{{Cite web |last=Peel |first=M. C. |last2=Finlayson, B. L. |last3=McMahon, T. A. |year=2007 |title=Updated world map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification |url=http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.pdf |access-date=January 23, 2011 |publisher=Copernicus Publications |page=1636 |archive-date=February 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229181440/http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.pdf |url-status=live }} In recent years, average temperatures in Corydon have ranged from a low of {{convert|21|°F}} in January to a high of {{convert|88|°F}} in July, although a record low of {{convert|-31|°F}} was recorded in January 1977 and a record high of {{convert|104|°F}} was recorded in July 1983. Average monthly precipitation ranged from {{convert|3.13|in}} in October to {{convert|5.06|in}} in May.

{{see also|Government of Indiana}}

The county government is a constitutional body and is granted specific powers by the Constitution of Indiana and by the Indiana Code. Executive and legislative power is vested in the Board of Commissioners, and fiscal power is vested in the County Council.

The seven member county council controls spending and revenue collection in the county. Four representatives are elected from county districts and three are elected at-large. The council members serve four-year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending. The council has limited authority to impose local income, property, excise and service taxes. County income and property taxes are subject to state level approval.{{Cite web |last=Indiana Code |title=Title 36, Article 2, Section 3 |url=http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title36/ar2/ch3.html |access-date=September 16, 2008 |publisher=IN.gov |archive-date=October 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005194234/http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title36/ar2/ch3.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Indiana Code |title=Title 2, Article 10, Section 2 |url=http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title3/ar10/ch2.pdf |access-date=September 16, 2008 |publisher=IN.gov |archive-date=October 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029030838/http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title3/ar10/ch2.pdf |url-status=live }}

The Board of Commissioners consists of three commissioners who are elected county-wide in four–year staggered terms. One commissioner serves as president of the board. The commissioners manage the budget set forth by the council, collect revenue, enact and repeal ordinances, and manage the county government.

Harrison County has a Circuit Court and a Superior Court. The Superior Court handles adult criminal cases, small claims cases, traffic tickets, and infractions. The Circuit Court handles the rest of the cases in the county, including most of the divorce cases, juvenile matters, CHINS cases, civil proceedings, probate, estates, adoptions and civil commitments. Judges in each court serve a six-year term. The Judge of the Circuit Court appoints a referee to handle family law cases.

The county has other elected offices, including sheriff, coroner, auditor, treasurer, recorder, surveyor and circuit court clerk. Each serves a four–year term. Members elected to county government positions are required to declare party affiliations and to be residents of the county.

Each township has a trustee who administers rural fire protection and ambulance service, provides poor relief and manages cemetery care, among other duties. The trustee is assisted in these duties by a three-member township board. The trustees and board members are elected to four-year terms.{{Cite web |title=Government |url=http://unitedtownships.org/?page_id=95 |access-date=January 20, 2012 |publisher=United Township Association of Indiana |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007222210/http://unitedtownships.org/?page_id=95 |url-status=live }}

Most of Harrison County lies in State House District 70. Blue River Township is part of State House District 73.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stats.indiana.edu/maptools/maps/boundary/legislative/2011/house.png|title=Indiana State Senate/House Map|website=stats.indiana.edu|access-date=August 1, 2020|archive-date=October 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006131825/https://www.stats.indiana.edu/maptools/maps/boundary/legislative/2011/house.png|url-status=live}} The entire county is part of State Senate District 47.{{Cite web |title=Indiana Senate Districts |url=http://www.in.gov/sos/elections/3006.htm |access-date=July 14, 2011 |publisher=State of Indiana |archive-date=January 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115070750/http://www.in.gov/sos/elections/3006.htm |url-status=live }} The county is part of Indiana's 9th congressional district.

{{PresHead|place=Harrison County, Indiana|source={{Cite web |last=Leip |first=David |title=Atlas of US Presidential Elections |url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS |access-date=May 17, 2018 |website=uselectionatlas.org |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323225526/https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/ |url-status=live }}}}

{{PresRow|2024|Republican|14,830|5,233|385|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|2020|Republican|14,565|5,343|328|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|2016|Republican|12,943|4,783|832|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|2012|Republican|10,640|6,607|424|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|2008|Republican|10,551|7,288|335|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|2004|Republican|11,015|6,171|124|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|2000|Republican|8,711|5,870|315|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1996|Republican|6,073|5,900|1,912|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|5,403|5,768|2,500|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1988|Republican|6,702|4,933|26|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1984|Republican|7,255|4,634|80|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1980|Republican|6,287|4,865|442|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|4,911|5,685|103|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1972|Republican|5,910|3,927|51|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1968|Republican|4,410|3,725|1,596|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|3,671|5,949|88|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1960|Republican|5,374|4,566|49|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1956|Republican|5,299|4,266|83|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1952|Republican|5,069|4,213|172|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|4,104|4,465|182|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1944|Republican|4,397|4,285|104|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|4,650|4,725|64|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|3,885|5,025|76|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|3,553|5,128|123|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1928|Republican|4,440|3,664|54|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1924|Democratic|3,896|4,005|163|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1920|Republican|4,271|3,898|132|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|2,086|2,373|180|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|900|2,106|1,443|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1908|Democratic|2,419|2,646|174|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1904|Republican|2,544|2,530|216|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1900|Democratic|2,482|2,824|99|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1896|Democratic|2,486|2,813|50|Indiana}}

{{PresRow|1892|Democratic|2,114|2,464|254|Indiana}}

{{PresFoot|1888|Democratic|2,133|2,529|103|Indiana}}

{{US Census population

|1810= 3595

|1820= 7875

|1830= 10273

|1840= 12459

|1850= 15286

|1860= 18521

|1870= 19913

|1880= 21326

|1890= 20786

|1900= 21702

|1910= 20232

|1920= 18656

|1930= 17254

|1940= 17106

|1950= 17858

|1960= 19207

|1970= 20423

|1980= 27276

|1990= 29890

|2000= 34325

|2010= 39364

|2020= 39654

|estyear=2023

|estimate=40006

|estref={{Cite web |title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023 |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.html |access-date=April 2, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |archive-date=January 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127180129/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.html |url-status=live }}

|align-fn=center

footnote=US Decennial Census{{Cite web |title=US Decennial Census |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |access-date=July 10, 2014 |publisher=US Census Bureau |archive-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717060613/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |url-status=live }}
1790–1960{{Cite web |title=Historical Census Browser |url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/ |access-date=July 10, 2014 |publisher=University of Virginia Library |archive-date=August 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811110448/http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/ |url-status=live }} 1900–1990{{Cite web |title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/in190090.txt |access-date=July 10, 2014 |publisher=US Census Bureau |archive-date=October 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004214054/http://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/in190090.txt |url-status=live }}
1990–2000{{Cite web |title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000 |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |access-date=July 10, 2014 |publisher=US Census Bureau |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |url-status=live }} 2010 2020

}}

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 39,364 people, 15,192 households, and 11,031 families in the county.{{Cite web |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US18061 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213031851/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US18061 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=July 10, 2015 |publisher=US Census Bureau}} The population density was {{convert|81.2|PD/sqmi}}. There were 16,534 housing units at an average density of {{convert|34.1|/sqmi}}.{{Cite web |title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY10/0500000US18061 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212200411/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY10/0500000US18061 |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |access-date=July 10, 2015 |publisher=US Census Bureau}} The racial makeup of the county was 97.4% white, 0.5% black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.5% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 31.1% were German, 16.5% were American, 12.8% were Irish, and 12.8% were English.{{Cite web |title=Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0400000US18%7c0500000US18061 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200214002510/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0400000US18%7C0500000US18061 |archive-date=February 14, 2020 |access-date=July 10, 2015 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}

Of the 15,192 households, 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.5% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 27.4% were non-families, and 22.8% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.99. The median age was 40.2 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $47,697 and the median income for a family was $59,316. Males had a median income of $40,884 versus $31,808 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,539. About 7.8% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.7% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over.{{Cite web |title=Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0400000US18%7c0500000US18061 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200214002315/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0400000US18%7C0500000US18061 |archive-date=February 14, 2020 |access-date=July 10, 2015 |publisher=US Census Bureau}}

File:Corydonvisitorscenter.jpg

Harrison County has a diverse economy. Manufacturing industry is centered in the Corydon Industrial Park where automobile-related manufacturing is most prevalent. There is large–scale farming throughout the rural areas of the county; corn and soybeans are the county's largest crops. A service and shopping district is centered in Corydon. There are several medical facilities in the county including the Harrison County Hospital, two nursing facilities operated by Kindred Healthcare, and a number of private practices.

The county has a developed tourism industry. The main attractions are the historic sites of Corydon, the county's golf courses, the Horseshoe Riverboat Casino and Hotel, and the area's two famous caves: Squire Boone Caverns near Mauckport and Wyandotte Caves in adjoining Crawford County. The casino is the county's single largest source of tax revenue and produced $23.5 million in tax revenue during 2007.Harrison County Chamber of Commerce, p. 22.

Multiple utility companies serve the county. Electricity is provided by the Harrison Rural Electric Membership Cooperative (REMC) and Duke Energy. Natural gas is provided by the Indiana Utilities Corporation in Corydon and several small distributors provide rural service. Land-line telephone service is provided exclusively by Verizon. Cable television is provided by Insight Communications in some parts of the county. Water is pumped from a number of corporations, the largest being South Harrison Water Corporation and Ramsey Water Inc.Harrison County Chamber of Commerce, p. 18.

As of July 2009, the county's largest employer was the Horseshoe Southern Indiana casino with 1,600 employees. Other large employers: Tyson Foods employs 550, Harrison County Hospital employs 504, South Harrison Community School Corporation employs 425, Blue River Services employs 405, Wal-Mart employs 400, North Harrison Community School Corporation employs 311, ICON Metal Forming employs 200, Darmic Inc. employs 120, Kindred Healthcare employs 115, Smith Store Fixtures and Lucas Oil Products each employs 80, Norstam Veneers employs 50, and Speed Flex employs 41. An additional 92 businesses employ 5 to 40 workers. 13% of the workforce is in retail, 12% in government, 12% in manufacturing, 11% in services, 8% in accommodations and food services, 8% in agriculture, 7% in construction, 7% working for local utilities, 6% in finance, insurance, and real estate, and 6% in other trades.Harrison County Chamber of Commerce, p. 19. The Louisville, Jefferson County, KY-IN Metropolitan statistical area to which Harrison County belongs had an unemployment rate of 10.2% in December 2009.{{Cite web |title=Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN Employment Data |url=http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.ky_louisville_msa.htm |access-date=February 17, 2010 |publisher=United States Department of Labor |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111020547/https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.ky_louisville_msa.htm |url-status=live }}

• Southern Indiana Transit System

• Interstate 64 runs east–west through Harrison County, connecting Corydon and Lanesville.{{Cite web |title=Interstate 64 |url=http://www.highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=3064§ion=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008144205/http://highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=3064§ion=1 |archive-date=October 8, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2012 |publisher=Highway Explorer}}
• US Route 150 crosses the northern part of the county following the route of the Buffalo Trace.{{Cite web |title=US Route 150 |url=http://www.highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=2150§ion=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605083428/http://highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=2150§ion=1 |archive-date=June 5, 2010 |access-date=February 21, 2012 |publisher=Highway Explorer}}
• State Road 135 runs north–south through the county.{{Cite web |title=State Road 135 |url=http://www.highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=1135§ion=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309073939/http://highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=1135§ion=1 |archive-date=March 9, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2012 |publisher=Highway Explorer}}
• State Road 62 runs east–west through the county, crossing State Road 135 at Corydon.{{Cite web |title=State Road 62 |url=http://www.highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=1062§ion=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224152607/http://highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=1062§ion=1 |archive-date=February 24, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2012 |publisher=Highway Explorer}}
• State Road 64 runs east–west across northern Harrison County. It crosses State Road 135 in New Salisbury.{{Cite web |title=State Road 64 |url=http://www.highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=1064§ion=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224152614/http://highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=1064§ion=1 |archive-date=February 24, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2012 |publisher=Highway Explorer}}
• State Road 111 connects Elizabeth with New Albany in neighboring Floyd County; the Horseshoe Riverboat Casino is located on the route.{{Cite web |title=State Road 111 |url=http://www.highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=1111§ion=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324015407/http://highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=1111§ion=1 |archive-date=March 24, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2012 |publisher=Highway Explorer}}
• State Road 337 runs northwest–southeast across the county, passing through Corydon.{{Cite web |title=State Road 337 |url=http://www.highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=1337§ion=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406013627/http://highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=1337§ion=1 |archive-date=April 6, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2012 |publisher=Highway Explorer}}
• State Road 211 runs for about {{convert|2|mi}} east of Elizabeth in the southeast part of county, connecting State Roads 11 and 111.{{Cite web |title=State Road 211 |url=http://www.highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=1135§ion=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309073939/http://highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=1135§ion=1 |archive-date=March 9, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2012 |publisher=Highway Explorer}}
• State Road 462 connects the Harrison-Crawford State Forest with State Road 62 in the southwest part of the county, running for about {{convert|3|mi}}.{{Cite web |title=State Road 462 |url=http://www.highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=1462§ion=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004114201/http://highwayexplorer.com/EndsPage.php?id=1462§ion=1 |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2012 |publisher=Highway Explorer}}

• Lucas Oil Rail Line – a {{convert|7|mi|km|adj=on}} shortline railroad from Corydon northward through the industrial park where Lucas Oil's bottling facilities are located, to its intersection with east–west Norfolk Southern Railway line near New Salisbury.
• Norfolk Southern line – crosses northern Harrison County, through Crandall, Ramsey, and Depauw. It has a small depot in Ramsey.

There is one airport in Harrison County, a general-aviation (gravel east–west strip) port {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} NNW of Elizabeth: Robinson Airpark.{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Robinson+Airpark-1IN4/@38.1430508,-85.9900494,683m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88693c3f5e647043:0x588da01be6dc23ce!8m2!3d38.1430508!4d-85.9878554|title=Robinson Airpark-1IN4 · 7300 Pine Shore Dr, Elizabeth, IN 47117|website=Google Maps|access-date=August 1, 2020|archive-date=October 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006162447/https://www.google.com/maps/place/Robinson+Airpark-1IN4/@38.1430508,-85.9900494,683m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88693c3f5e647043:0x588da01be6dc23ce!8m2!3d38.1430508!4d-85.9878554|url-status=live}}

The county has 22 schools; 15 are public schools in 3 school districts, and 7 are private.{{Cite web |title=Harrison County Schools |url=http://mustang.doe.state.in.us/SEARCH/s3.cfm?county=31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303130145/http://mustang.doe.state.in.us/SEARCH/s3.cfm?county=31 |archive-date=March 3, 2010 |access-date=February 16, 2010 |publisher=Indiana Department of Education}} South Harrison Community Schools is the largest district with 3,141 pupils in 2010. The district covers the southern half of the county and includes Corydon Central High School, Corydon Central Junior High School, South Central Junior & Senior High School, Corydon Intermediate, Corydon Elementary, Heth-Washington Elementary, and New Middletown Elementary.{{Cite web |title=South Harrison Community Schools |url=http://mustang.doe.state.in.us/TRENDS/corpenr.cfm?corp=3190&var=enr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617073022/http://mustang.doe.state.in.us/TRENDS/corpenr.cfm?corp=3190&var=enr |archive-date=June 17, 2011 |access-date=February 16, 2010 |publisher=Indiana Department of Education}} North Harrison Community School Corporation had 2,324 pupils in 2010 enrolled in North Harrison High School, North Harrison Middle School, North Harrison Elementary, and Morgan Elementary.{{Cite web |title=North Harrison Community Schools |url=http://mustang.doe.state.in.us/TRENDS/corpenr.cfm?corp=3180&var=enr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617073032/http://mustang.doe.state.in.us/TRENDS/corpenr.cfm?corp=3180&var=enr |archive-date=June 17, 2011 |access-date=February 16, 2010 |publisher=Indiana Department of Education}} Lanesville Community School Corporation is the smallest district serving only Franklin Township. It consists of Lanesville Junior Senior High School and Lanesville Elementary.{{Cite web |title=Lanesville Community Schools |url=http://mustang.doe.state.in.us/TRENDS/corpenr.cfm?corp=3160&var=enr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617073201/http://mustang.doe.state.in.us/TRENDS/corpenr.cfm?corp=3160&var=enr |archive-date=June 17, 2011 |access-date=February 16, 2010 |publisher=Indiana Department of Education}} In 2010, teachers in the North Harrison district averaged $50,800 in annual salary; South Harrison teachers averaged $48,500; Lanesville teachers averaged $51,500. North Harrison had a 2010 graduation rate of 81.5%; South Harrison 84.6%; Lanesville 91.5%. Lanesville and North Harrison students performed above average on 2010 statewide ISTEP+ tests, while South Harrison students performed below average.

The county has several private schools supported by local churches. St. John's, a Lutheran school near Lanesville, has 77 pupils. St. Joseph's, a Catholic school in Corydon, has 87 pupils. County high school students, including those in public, private, and home schools, may attend the vocational school C. A. Prosser school of Technology in neighboring Floyd County as part of their high school curriculum.{{Cite web |title=Participating Schools |url=http://prosser.nafcs.k12.in.us/default.asp?q_areaprimaryid=9&q_areasecondaryid=25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703212449/http://prosser.nafcs.k12.in.us/default.asp?q_areaprimaryid=9&q_areasecondaryid=25 |archive-date=July 3, 2011 |access-date=February 16, 2010 |publisher=C. A. Prosser School of Technology}}

The 2017 Lanesville Eagles’ baseball program captured the school's first state title in any sport and the first state crown in Harrison County history by way of a 5–1 win over Rossville in the Class 1A final at Victory Field in Indianapolis.{{Cite web |title=Lanesville baseball wins school's first state championship |url=http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/preps/indiana/2017/06/17/lanesville-baseball-wins-schools-first-state-championship/396321001/ |access-date=June 19, 2017 |website=courier-journal.com}}

The county is served by the Harrison County Public Library system.{{Cite web |title=Indiana public library directory |url=https://www.in.gov/library/files/countyindex13.pdf |access-date=March 7, 2018 |publisher=Indiana State Library |archive-date=February 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218220414/http://in.gov/library/files/countyindex13.pdf |url-status=dead }} All county residents have free access.{{Cite web |title=Frequently asked questions |url=http://www.hcpl.lib.in.us/faq.htm |access-date=March 7, 2018 |publisher=Harrison County Public Library |archive-date=February 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221035343/http://www.hcpl.lib.in.us/faq.htm |url-status=dead }}

{{See also|Category: People from Harrison County, Indiana|List of people from the Louisville metropolitan area}}File:James Best Frontier Return of Jubal Dolan.JPG

William Taylor Zenor – born in 1846 near Corydon. Practiced law in Corydon and Leavenworth. Judge, third judicial circuit (1885–1897). Indiana representative in US House of Representatives (1897–1907). Buried in Corydon.

James Best – born in 1926 in Kentucky; at the age of three he went to an orphanage, then was adopted and was raised in Corydon. After his Army service he became a movie and television actor. Best known as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on The Dukes of Hazzard.{{Cite web |title=Bio for James Best |url=http://jamesbest.com/biography.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009233838/http://www.jamesbest.com/biography.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2012}}

Arville Funk – born in Harrison County in 1929 and attended school in Corydon. He taught high school history for 10 years starting in 1955. Practiced law in Corydon. He was active with Indiana historical and genealogical societies, and wrote about Indiana history. He is buried in Corydon.{{Cite book |title=Indiana Authors and their Books, 1917–1966 |publisher=Wabash College |year=1974 |editor-last=Thompson |editor-first=Donald E. |location=Crawfordsville, Indiana |page=225}}

Frank O'Bannon – born in 1930 in Corydon. After an Air Force stint he was state senator, lieutenant governor, and then governor (1997–2003). Buried in Corydon.{{Cite web |title=Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon (1930–2003) |url=http://www.in.gov/history/2707.htm |access-date=January 21, 2012 |publisher=Indiana Historical Bureau |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120203946/https://www.in.gov/history/2707.htm |url-status=live }}

{{Portal|Indiana}}

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Harrison County, Indiana

{{Reflist|group="n"}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Refbegin}}

• {{Cite book |last=Crayden, Helen Ballard |title=Centennial Fair Program |publisher=Harrison County Historical Society |year=1959 |ref={{sfnRef|Crayden|1959}}}}
• {{Cite book |last=Dick, Otis Amanda |title=Corydon:Images of America |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |year=2000 |isbn=0-7385-6050-2 |ref={{sfnRef|Dick|2000}}}}
• {{Cite book |last=Funk, Arville |title=A Sketchbook of Indiana History |publisher=Christian Book Press |year=1969 |edition=Revised 1983 |location=Rochester, Indiana |ref={{sfnRef|Funk|1969}}}}
• {{Cite book |last=Goodrich, De Witt Clinton |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YDIUAAAAYAAJ |title=An Illustrated History of the State of Indiana |last2=Richard, Charles Tuttle |publisher=R. S. Peale and Company |year=1875 |location=Indiana |ref={{sfnRef|Goodrich|1875}} |access-date=November 21, 2015 |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515230633/https://books.google.com/books?id=YDIUAAAAYAAJ |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780871951960 |title=The Governors of Indiana |publisher=Indiana Historical Society Press |year=2006 |isbn=0-87195-196-7 |editor-last=Gugin, Linda C. |location=Indianapolis, Indiana |ref={{sfnRef|Gugin|2006}} |editor-last2=St. Clair, James E |url-access=registration }}
• {{Cite book |last=Logan, W. N. |title=Handbook of Indiana Geology |publisher=Indiana Department of Conservation |year=1922 |ref={{sfnRef|Logan|1922}}}}
• {{Cite book |last=Roose, William H. |title=Indiana's birthplace: a history of Harrison County, Indiana |publisher=Tribune Company Printers |year=1911 |ref={{sfnRef|Roose|1911}}}}

{{Refend}}

{{Commons category|Harrison County, Indiana}}

• {{Official website|https://www.in.gov/counties/harrison/}}
• [https://www.thisisindiana.org/ Harrison County Visitor's Bureau]
• [https://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/IN/Harrison/state.html Registered Harrison County Historic Sites]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100303130145/http://mustang.doe.state.in.us/SEARCH/s3.cfm?county=31 Indiana Department of Education, Harrison County Schools]

{{Geographic location

|Centre = Harrison County, Indiana

|North = Washington County

|Northeast =

|East = Floyd County

|Southeast = Jefferson County, Kentucky

|South = Hardin County, Kentucky

|Southwest = Meade County, Kentucky

|West = Crawford County

|Northwest =

}}

{{Harrison County, Indiana}}

{{Indiana}}

{{coord|38.20|-86.12|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-IN_source:UScensus1990}}

{{good article}}

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Category:Indiana counties

Category:1808 establishments in Indiana Territory

Category:Populated places established in 1808

Category:Indiana counties on the Ohio River

Category:Louisville metropolitan area