1668Military
== History ==
=== Colonial era to 19th century ===
The area that is now Harrison was the southernmost part of the 15,308-acre (23.919 sq mi; 61.95 km2) land grant awarded to W...
1671History
When that grant was divided in 1671 between Sandford and his uncle, Nathaniel Kingsland of Barbados, Sandford's 5,000-acre (2,000 ha) share included Harrison.
1691Culture
Upon his death in 1691, Sandford's land passed to his wife, Sarah Sandford (née Whartman).
1719History
1719, she passed most of the land, including Harrison, to her son William (c.
1729Culture
In 1729, William transferred the southern parts of his upland to three of his sons, John, Robert and Peter, each receiving a 300-acre (120 ha) lot that included a portion of Har...
1733Military
John and Robert sold their lots to members of the Schuyler family in 1733 and 1736, respectively, and migrated westward, John to Newark and Robert to Pine Brook.
1750Architecture
A road to the Hudson Waterfront was completed in 1750, named for Douwe's Ferry which it met at its eastern end to cross the Hackensack River.
1790Military
In 1790 the state legislature decided that "public good would be served by a 64-foot road from Paulus Hook to Newark Courthouse".
1795Architecture
By 1795, a bridge over the Hackensack 950 feet (290 m) long and another over the Passaic 492 feet (150 m) long (at the site of the Bridge Street Bridge) were built creating an u...
1826Government
In 1826, the New Jersey Legislature formed Lodi Township from the southern portion of New Barbadoes Neck in Bergen County.
1840History
This appeal resulted in the creation of Hudson County and the first mention of Harrison occurs in the law which was passed on April 13, 1840.
1852Culture
=== 19th century to present ===
Union Township (now Lyndhurst) was created as of February 19, 1852, from portions of the township and became part of Bergen County.
1869Civil Rights
On March 25, 1869, Harrison town was incorporated, replacing the township.
1878Culture
In 1878, Mulligan was eventually appointed "Police Justice" and in 1885, an ordinance was passed to regulate and establish a police department.
1891History
In 1891, the first police officers were appointed under the 1895 ordinance.
1897Civil Rights
On March 28, 1897, Officer John J.
1913Architecture
The station was built in 1913 and relocated to its present location in 1936.
1946Government
Rodgers, who was first elected in 1946, defeating incumbent Frederick J.
1947Government
Gassert who had served for 16 years, and served for 48 years, from 1947 to 1995, being elected to 24 two-year terms.
1951Government
== Civic organizations ==
Harrison Lions Club was chartered on July 25, 1951.
1978History
He also served two terms in the New Jersey State Senate, from 1978 to 1984.
1995Government
Later that month, the town council selected James Fife, a former Harrison High School principal, to complete term of McDonough's seat as mayor, which he had held since 1995.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the 2000 United States census there were 14,424 people, 5,136 households, and 3,636 families residing in the town.
2004Government
In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 64.8% of the vote (2,142 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W.
2009Military
Holy Cross School of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark operated until 2009, when it merged into Mater Dei Academy in Kearny; the merged school closed in 2012.
2010History
=== 2010 census ===
The 2010 United States census counted 13,620 people, 4,869 households, and 3,262 families in the town.
2012Civil Rights
A major reconstruction for the Harrison Station was approved on March 28, 2012, and construction started in January 2013.
2013Disaster
In April 2013, officials from neighboring municipalities and fire departments expressed their frustration at the stresses placed on their firefighters in covering fires in Harri...
2014Government
While serving a term scheduled to end on December 31, 2014, longtime Mayor Raymond McDonough died on February 12, 2014, after suffering a heart attack at town hall.
2017Architecture
The completion target, originally scheduled for April 2017, was tentatively moved to 2018; the expansion of the station was completed on June 15, 2019.
2018History
In 2018, the town had an average property tax bill of $11,109, the highest in the county, compared to an average bill of $8,767 statewide.
2020History
=== Climate ===
== Demographics ==
=== 2020 census ===
The 2020 United States census counted 19,450 people, and 7,888 households.
2022History
Fife, who is serving a term of office ending December 31, 2022.
2024Military
In November 2024, Michael Dolaghan resigned from his 4th Ward seat that expires in 2027.
2025Government
As of 2025, the Mayor of Harrison is Democrat James A.
2026Military
Members of the Harrison Town Council are Laurence Bennett (D, 2026; 3rd Ward), Maria Camano (D, 2027; 1st Ward), James P.
2027Military
New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027) and Andy Kim (Moorestown, term ends 2031).