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The Daniel Harrison House: Architectural Overview 

            The stone section of the house is the original structure that was built by Daniel Harrison in 1748. The exterior design of the two-story stone house has a German influence and was built with local limestone. It is suggested that John Pharis II was the mason that assisted Daniel in the building process. The configuration of the house’s interior is a “hall and parlor” style, which was a common vernacular architectural style for early colonial to mid-eighteenth century homes. The stone house was basic in design and accommodated the essential needs for the family. The first floor included of the living room and the kitchen. The second floor contained two sleeping areas (Fort Harrison History- Architectural Overview). The stone house did not have a basement or cellar. There is a local tradition that the stone house was surrounded by a palisade and connected to an underground tunnel that lead to the spring near Cook’s Creek, The palisade and tunnel traditions relate to the French and Indian War and argue that they were built for protection. Daniel Harrison was also the local deputy sheriff and a captain of the local militia in the event of an Indian attack.

 

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Notes:

[1] Warren R. Hofstra and Robert D. Mitchell, "Town and Country in Backcountry Virginia: Winchester and the Shenandoah Valley, 1730-1800," The Journal of Southern History 59, no. 4 (November 1993): 623-7.​

[2] Warren R. Hofstra and Robert D. Mitchell, "Town and Country in Backcountry Virginia: Winchester and the Shenandoah Valley, 1730-1800," The Journal of Southern History 59, no. 4 (November 1993): 623.

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