John Winn Harrison came to Paris in 1886 to take advantage of the building boom created by the railroads reaching Paris. His oldest daughter, Alma Lillian, was born on February 5, 1887. Her birth certificate lists her father’s occupation as contractor. It is the earliest documented date in our company history, and is the basis for the company’s foundation date.

On November 8, 1887, Doc Holliday awoke clear-eyed and asked for a glass of whiskey. It was given to him and he drank it down with enjoyment. Then he said, "This is funny", and died.

J. W. Harrison establishes his own reputation for quality construction. A Chamber of Commerce publication in that year stated, "Many of the handsome buildings in Paris are a monument to his skill. We feel this company has a bright future."

In 1889, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France was completed.

March 21, 1916:  Most of Paris, TX was destroyed by fire.  John Harrison combined forces with John Glover to play a major role in the reconstruction of the town.

April 4, 1916:  The US Senate agrees to participate in World War I.

J.W. Harrison & Son was formed.  Barney Harrison first began working with his father, John Winn Harrison, in 1917 building both public and private buildings.

The Neon Tube Sign was patented by George Claude.

In 1959, J. W. Harrison joined with civil engineer, C. L. Walker to form Harrison & Walker. Together they expanded the company into industrial, institutional and residential development construction.

NASA announces selection of 7 military pilots to become the first U.S. astronauts.

After 20 years of working in partnership with Harrison and Walker, Chip Harper leads the business in its fourth generation under the name Harrison, Walker & Harper.

The Universal Product Code (UPC) is scanned for the first time, to sell a package of Wrigley's chewing gum at the Marsh Supermarket in Troy, Ohio.

The first of several projects for the Kimberly Clark Corporation in Paris, TX was built.

President Ronald Reagan is sworn into his second term as President of the United States.

Construction of largest project to date with the completion of the 2.0 million square foot Sterilite Manufacturing Facility in Ennis, Texas.

The United States took home 91 medals from the Summer Olympic Games held in Sydney, Australia.

Our self-perform division, We Build, started operating as an independent company.

The Summer Olympics take place in Athens, Greece.

The company celebrated its 120th year in business.

A calendar blue moon occurs in both the Western and Eastern hemispheres.