About West Harrison

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Introduction

With some small towns nestled next to each other, it's hard to know where one stops and the next begins. West Harrison, Indiana is just like that- part of the greater Harrison community, and contiguous to the city of Harrison, Ohio. The town was named in honor of President William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States, and a monument to his presidency still stands today.

Summary

Sitting along the White Water River, West Harrison was part of the building boom along the canal route from Hagerstown to Lawrenceburg in the 1840s. With its completion came many mills, distilleries and shops. Some buildings remain yet today. When industrialization began, the neighborhood emphasis changed from the canal to the railroad, after the Whitewater Valley Railway was constructed in 1868. Its rails were laid on the towpath of the original whitewater canal. Today, West Harrison has a population of about 340 and is a classic example of rural small town America. Housing styles include country farm homes, new subdivisions and traditional older homes.

Transportation

West Harrison is minutes off I-74 and circle freeway I-275. Old US highway 52 parallels I-74 about 20 minutes from downtown Cincinnati, and Indiana Route 129 crosses through town.

Hospitals

Mercy Franciscan Health Center in Harrison, Ohio with flight access to downtown trauma centers is located 10 minutes away. Nearby Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg is 10 the opposite direction, and hospitals in downtown Cincinnati are a 20-minute drive.

Shopping

Downtown Harrison is filled with unique stores, antiques and galleries. Just across the state line Harrison, Ohio offers big box stores for convenient shopping. Northgate Mall, the nearest shopping center is 25 minutes away along Interstate 275.

Recreation

Four city parks, nearby Miami Whitewater Forest, and the Ohio River offer outdoor enthusiasts a range of opportunities to get outside. Community groups offer an events calendar for adults and children alike.