Timeline
Heritage
The Road
355 North Main Street
Dayton, VA 22821
Phone:
Email:
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Website:
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Hours of Operation:
1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Historical Significance
The Daniel Harrison house was built in the 18th century by one of the early settlers in the Harrisonburg area. The house, located on Cook's Creek, is just a light stroll from the center of town. In the 1750's marauding bands of Indians frequently roamed the area threatening settlers. Daniel Harrison's solidly built stone house was a natural fort to which it is said he added a stockade and is today referred to as Fort Harrison. Today, Fort Harrison has been furnished in the period with generous donations, some of which came from the Harrison family. Fort Harrison is a tangible reminder of the pioneer spirit and rich heritage of the Shenandoah Valley. Guided tours are available.
The Daniel Harrison House Today
The Daniel Harrison house, also known as "Fort Harrison", was built in 1749 by Daniel Harrison, the first settler in Dayton. Daniel was the brother of Thomas Harrison, founder of Harrisonburg. The two-story stone house is located on Cook's Creek just north of downtown Dayton. Since 1977 it has been owned and maintained by a private non-profit organization, Fort Harrison, Incorporated. A replica of the summer kitchen and slave quarters has been reconstructed behind it. The house with generous donations of furniture and artifacts, some from the Harrison family, transform this house into a tangible reminder of the pioneer spirit and rich heritage of the Shenandoah Valley. The house is on the National Historic Register. Guided tours are available on Saturday and Sunday afternoon's from 1pm-4pm in May - October.
