The area that was to become Harrisburg was first settled by European-Americans in 1821, when John C. Crittendon built a home there, selling his property to Anthony and Mecie Drane in 1858. Harrisburg, in Boone County, Missouri, was named for John Woods Harris, who inherited the Model Farm on Thrall’s Prairie, the first permanent settlement in the county. The town of Harrisburg was laid out along the proposed track of the Chicago and Alton Railroad, although the railroad chose a line further north. Nevertheless, the town survived and, in 1882, it had a post office, three stores, a confectionary shop, church, blacksmith shop, mill, and a school house with a Masonic lodge upstairs. Harrisburg’s first church building belonged to the Harrisburg Christian Church, and was built of local stone and donated wood in 1872. Its original building was demolished in 1980 and replaced by a new building. The Harrisburg Baptist Church, affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, was constructed in 1887, and is still in use. Harrisburg is located along Missouri Highway 124, northwest of Perche, north of Woodlandville, and west of the Lick Creek Conservation Area.
Recommended Resources
Founded in 1991, Coyote Hill Christian Children’s Home is made up of five homes for abused and neglected children, staffed with licensed counselors and full-time home parents. Its history, a profile of the facilities, and a promotional video are featured, and job opportunities and its contribution policies are stated.
http://coyotehill.org/
The Harrisburg School District offers a K-12th grade public school curriculum through three campuses, an elementary, middle, and high school, each of which are highlighted here. An academic calendar is featured, along with menus, faculty contacts, and school supply lists.
http://www.harrisburg.k12.mo.us/
Organized in 1870, the Harrisburg, Missouri congregation originally met in the schoolhouse, completing its first chapel in 1874. The church’s history, constitution, and a statement of faith are featured, with a service schedule, church calendar, newsletter, and pastoral contacts.
http://www.harrisburgchristian.org/
Harrisburg Early Learning Center
Offering developmentally appropriate activities for children three weeks to thirteen years of age, the Harrisburg, Missouri school includes classrooms for infants, toddlers, two year olds, preschoolers, and school age students. Its history, philosophy, and enrollment policies are posted, along with directions and hours of operation.
http://www.harrisburgearlylearningcenter.com/
The Harrisburg, Missouri public school system’s library is featured, with information about its hours of operation, policies, and library staff. Parents or students may recommend books for the library through the site, or access a teacher-library collaboration form. A monthly blog is included.
http://harrisburgr8library.weebly.com/
The official municipal web site offers a history and profile of the town, along with a guide to local businesses and organizations, and an overview of village services and facilities. Administrative and departmental contacts are include, and public notices are posted to the site.
http://www.harrisburgmo.com/
