The Harrison Family’s story closely follows the historical narrative of the European settlers that moved into the Shenandoah Valley in the mid-18th century. The Daniel Harrison House was built by Daniel Harrison, the eldest son of Isaiah Harrison and his second wife Abigail. His father journeyed to the colony of New York from England in approximately 1667.[1] Daniel, was born in Smithtown, Long Island in 1701, where his family lived until they purchased the 900-acre Maiden Plantation in Sussex, County Delaware in 1721. After his mother's death in 1732, Daniel's father divided the plantation among his ten children. As a family, they decided to sell their portions of Maiden Plantation to use as funds to settle the Shenandoah Valley in 1738.[2] 

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     After purchasing multiple tracts of land throughout Augusta County, Virginia, Daniel purchased a 120-acre portion of land from Samuel Wilkins near the western branch of Cooks Creek on February 28, 1749, for ten pounds, five shillings, and six pence.[3] Daniel built a large two-story limestone house on a hill next to a nearby spring on Cooks Creek. On his farm, Daniel raised cattle, sheep, and horses. He also grew crops such as flax, wheat, and corn on his land. Daniel was not just a farmer, but a businessman, as he owned and operated a still, mill, and tavern on his property.[4] His wealth and means enabled him to establish a higher social position in the Valley from an early stage in the development of what would soon become Rockingham County and Harrisonburg.[5]

     The Harrison household held prominent social positions within the local

community, along with their wealthy status. According to Augusta County Circuit Court records, Daniel was appointed as an undersheriff of Augusta County, was court granted to build a mill on Crook’s Creek, and was issued a license to operate an ordinary and a distillery on his property.[6] In addition, he was tasked by the local court to develop and maintain roads and transportation routes, connecting towns and residents throughout the county.[7] Not only was he a leader in the community, but Daniel was also a captain in the local militia during the French and Indian War, from 1754-1763.[8] Daniel died in 1770 and passed his house and land unto his youngest son, Benjamin.