John Harris and Hercules

Black History at the Capitol's Origins

Hercules Rescuing John Harris Hercules leading Native Americans to rescue the captured Harris from intoxicated Native Americans Source: Historical Society of Dauphin County Creator: G. Gilbert

There are many folk tales recounting the early days of the European settlement of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. One such account chronicles how John Harris Sr. was rescued from a group of Native Americans by Hercules–a Black man enslaved by Harris. This story, passed down primarily by Harris’ descendants, positions Black individuals at the very forefront of the capitol area’s history.