HARRISVILLE

In 1860, the newly formed Queensland government set aside land to grow cotton called the Ipswich Agricultural Reserve, of which Harrisville was the centre. The aim of this enterprise reserve was to make the most of the going from the United States to the British cotton mills during the American Civil War.

Cotton gins were started nearby farms and one was started by the Harris brothers (who came from Brisbane) on the corner of Robert Dunn's selection. This later changed owners and then was shut down once the United States reclaimed its title as the world's cotton supplier. However the Harris name was used for the small amount of businesses that made the township of Harrisville.

In 1882 the railway line from Ipswich came to Harrisville and became the first branch railway to be opened in Queensland. In 1922 the line was extended to reach Mount Edwards and there were plans for it to reach Sydney. However these plans never eventuated.

Today Harrisville is home to a pub, newsagency/general store, museum, various churches, real estate agency, cafe, information centre and a few other shops.

Picture Gallery of Harrisville

Boomerang Bags Cattle Grazing Commercial Hotel Creek CWA Fire Station General Store/Newsagency Harrisville Museum Harrisville Park Harrisville Post Office Harrisville School of Arts Harrisville School of Arts - Closeup Harrisville State School Town Sign Harrisville Uniting Church Harrisville Uniting Church - Closeup Irrigation Main Street of Harrisville Closeup of Main Street Another closeup view of Main Street Old Royal Hotel Sacred Heart Catholic Church Choose an image to begin