According to AGOODDIR, Harrison County, West Virginia is located in the north-central part of the state. It shares borders with Doddridge, Marion, Taylor, Barbour, and Lewis counties. With an area of 487 square miles, it is the fifth largest county in the state. The county seat is Clarksburg and the largest city is Bridgeport.
The geography of Harrison County is mostly hilly terrain with some flat land along the river valleys. The Cheat River and West Fork River flow through Harrison County and form a natural border between it and Doddridge and Marion Counties. The highest point in Harrison County is on Cheat Mountain at 4,100 feet above sea level while its lowest point lies along Elk Creek at 1,000 feet above sea level.
The climate in Harrison County has four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from 30°F in January to 75°F in July. Average annual precipitation ranges from 40 to 50 inches per year with snowfall typically occurring between November and March each year.
As of 2019, Harrison County had a population of 68,951 people making it one of the most populous counties in West Virginia. It has a diverse population which includes African Americans (11%), Caucasians (87%), Hispanics (2%) as well as small populations of Asian Americans (1%) and Native Americans (<1%). The median household income for residents of Harrison County was $44,832 as of 2017 which was slightly lower than the median household income for West Virginia ($46,209).
Harrison County is a beautiful area with rolling hills and scenic rivers that offer plenty to explore outdoors. With an average temperature ranging from 30°F to 75°F throughout the year as well as average annual precipitation ranging from 40 to 50 inches – this county offers a unique mix of weather conditions perfect for outdoor activities. And its diverse population makes it an ideal place for anyone looking to experience all that West Virginia has to offer.
Economy of Harrison County, West Virginia
Harrison County is home to a diverse and vibrant economy that is driven by a variety of industries. Agriculture has long been an important part of the local economy and provides employment for many people. The county produces a variety of crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and tobacco. Livestock production such as cattle and dairy are also important to the agricultural sector. Forestry is another important industry in the county which provides jobs for loggers, sawyers, and other related occupations.
The service sector also plays an important role in the Harrison County economy providing jobs in retail trade, healthcare services, hospitality services, and government services. The tourism industry is also an important source of income for many local businesses with visitors coming from all over the country to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, mountain biking, camping and more.
Manufacturing is another key component of Harrison County’s economy providing employment opportunities in industries such as chemical manufacturing (plastics), food processing (canned goods), furniture manufacturing (woodworking), metal fabrication (steel products), and other related industries. In addition to these larger industries there are numerous small businesses operating throughout the county providing jobs in areas such as construction/home improvement contractors; auto repair; professional services; retail stores; restaurants; banks/financial institutions; real estate companies; etc.
The Harrison County workforce is highly educated with 23% having obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 21% statewide. This high educational attainment rate helps attract new businesses to the area allowing them to benefit from a highly-skilled labor force that can help them remain competitive in today’s global market.
Harrison County has a strong economic base that provides employment opportunities across multiple sectors which helps ensure its future prosperity. With its diverse population offering access to both skilled labor and consumer markets – this county offers plenty of potential for those looking for business opportunities or job seekers searching for a place to call home.
Libraries in Harrison County, West Virginia
According to babyinger, Harrison County, West Virginia is home to a number of libraries and library systems that provide access to books, magazines, journals, newspapers, audio recordings, and other resources. The county is served by the West Virginia Library Commission which operates the state’s public library system. This system includes 12 regional libraries located throughout the state which are responsible for providing access to materials and services for their local communities.
Harrison County is also home to six local public libraries including the Bridgeport Public Library, Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library (CHPL), Shinnston Public Library, Lost Creek Public Library, Nutter Fort Public Library, and Salem Public Library. The Bridgeport and CHPL libraries are both members of the North Central West Virginia Regional Library System which provides access to over 2 million items through its member library collections.
The Bridgeport Public Library has been serving its community since 1909 when it was established as a subscription library with a $200 donation from local businessman Charles Finkle. Today, the library offers a range of services including computer access with WiFi for those without internet at home; meeting rooms; audio book downloads; ebooks; digital magazines; free movie screenings; book clubs; summer reading programs; and more.
The CHPL was founded in 1947 as part of an agreement between Harrison County and the City of Clarksburg. It now serves over 25 thousand cardholders annually with its two branches located in Clarksburg and Nutter Fort offering a variety of services such as computer classes; storytimes for kids; genealogy assistance; homework help programs for students in grades K-12th grade; literacy programs for adults learning English as a second language or needing help preparing for their GED tests; art exhibits featuring local artists’ work; free movie screenings every Sunday afternoon during the summer months at their downtown location in Clarksburg;and more.
The remaining four public libraries in Harrison County offer similar services such as book clubs, story times for children, computer classes (including coding classes), genealogy assistance, summer reading programs (with incentives like T-shirts or ice cream coupons), adult literacy classes (including English as a Second Language courses), book sales/discounts on materials borrowed from their collections – plus much more. All six of these libraries also participate in interlibrary loan programs allowing patrons to borrow items from other member libraries throughout West Virginia if they have something that is not available at their own local branch(es).
Harrison County offers plenty of options when it comes to accessing books and other materials through its public library system – whether you’re looking for recreational reading material or need help with your studies or work related needs – there are plenty of resources available to meet your needs.
Landmarks in Harrison County, West Virginia
Harrison County, West Virginia is a beautiful area filled with numerous landmarks that offer visitors plenty of opportunities to explore and take in the stunning scenery. Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Harrison County is home to a variety of natural wonders, including mountains, rivers, caves, and forests. Here are some of the most popular landmarks in Harrison County:
The Clarksburg City Park is one of the most popular parks in Harrison County. This park features a large lake with a beach and plenty of playgrounds for kids to enjoy. There’s also an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and other events. The park is also home to many monuments and memorials honoring local veterans, as well as several sculptures created by local artists.
The Bridgeport Historic District is another popular destination in Harrison County. This district includes several historic buildings from the late 19th century such as the Bridgeport City Hall and Opera House, which was once used for live performances. Visitors can also explore some of the oldest homes in town at this location.
The Prickett’s Fort State Park offers visitors an opportunity to explore one of West Virginia’s first settlements from 1774. The fort was built by Colonel Jacob Prickett during Lord Dunmore’s War (1774-1775) and served as a refuge for settlers fleeing Indian attacks during this period. Today, visitors can tour this historic fort or take part in reenactments at Prickett’s Fort State Park each year.
The West Fork River Trail is another popular attraction in Harrison County that offers something for everyone. This trail winds along the banks of both branches of the West Fork River providing stunning views along its route. It’s perfect for hiking or biking through nature with plenty of places to stop along the way to fish or just enjoy the scenery.
Finally, no visit to Harrison County would be complete without taking a trip up Cheat Mountain into Monongahela National Forest where visitors can find some incredible views on top of Spruce Knob – West Virginia’s highest peak at 4863 feet above sea level. From here you can see across three different states (West Virginia, Maryland & Pennsylvania). You may even spot some wildlife like black bears or deer while you are here.
