Overview & Orientation
Harrison City is a community in Penn Township, Westmoreland County, about 25 miles east of Pittsburgh. It is not its own municipality. Harrison City is a small census-designated place and the name of the 15636 ZIP code, and it is the home of Penn Township’s municipal center, Penn-Trafford High School, and the Penn Area Library. Nearby Bushy Run Battlefield, a National Historic Landmark, marks one of the most important frontier battles of the 1760s.
Where Harrison City Is
- County: Westmoreland County
- Type: An unincorporated community and census-designated place in Penn Township. See Wikipedia’s Harrison City entry.
- ZIP code: 15636, with “Harrison City, PA” as the mailing city
- Penn Township at a glance: About 30.8 square miles, incorporated in 1855 and named for William Penn. It borders Murrysville (north), Salem and Hempfield (northeast and east), Jeannette (southeast), North Huntingdon (southwest), Trafford (west-southwest), and Monroeville (west). It also includes the community of Level Green.
One Township, Several Mailing Addresses
Penn Township homes use several different mailing cities, including Harrison City, Jeannette, Export, Irwin, Claridge, Penn, and Manor. A Penn Township home with a Jeannette or Export mailing address is still in Penn Township and the Penn-Trafford School District. To confirm a property’s municipality, check the deed, the tax bill, or Westmoreland County’s property records.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate and vary by where you start. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Murrysville (Route 22) | 10–15 minutes |
| Monroeville | 15–20 minutes |
| Greensburg | 15–20 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 35–45 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 50–60 minutes |
A Brief History
On August 5–6, 1763, during Pontiac’s War, British Colonel Henry Bouquet’s column of about 500 soldiers was ambushed here on its way to relieve the besieged Fort Pitt. Bouquet’s troops built a defensive circle of flour sacks, then broke the attack with a flanking move the next day. The British victory gave them control of the Ohio River Valley. Bushy Run Battlefield is Pennsylvania’s only recognized Native American battlefield.
Penn Township was incorporated on February 23, 1855. The area was mostly farmland, and coal mining later shaped its economy. Harrison City was named for President Benjamin Harrison. Read more about Penn Township’s history.
Notable Landmarks
- Bushy Run Battlefield: A 218-acre National Historic Landmark with a visitor center, museum, and trails
- Penn Township Municipal Park Complex: The township’s main park, next to the municipal building
- Penn-Trafford High School: Located within the Harrison City CDP
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
Penn Township is a large, mostly residential township with rolling hills and some remaining farmland. Housing ranges from older homes near the township’s original villages to suburban subdivisions built over several decades and homes on larger lots in more rural areas. The township maintains about 100 miles of roads.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
- Townhomes and condominiums
- Homes on larger rural lots
Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Penn Township, including Harrison City.
Schools
Penn-Trafford School District
Penn Township is served by the Penn-Trafford School District, which also serves Trafford and Penn Borough. The district office is at 1100 Randall Court, Export, (724) 744-4496.
- Elementary (K–5): Harrison Park, Level Green, McCullough, Sunrise Estates, and Trafford Elementary Schools
- Middle (6–8): Penn Middle School and Trafford Middle School
- High (9–12): Penn-Trafford High School, in Harrison City
Elementary and middle school assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district. See the district overview for background.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg and Seton Hill University (Greensburg)
- Westmoreland County Community College (Youngwood)
- CCAC Boyce Campus (Monroeville)
For school performance data, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Future Ready PA Index and the district’s own website. School assignments can change. Confirm directly with the district.
Getting Around
Major Roads
- PA Route 130: Runs through Harrison City, connecting west toward Trafford and Pittsburgh’s eastern suburbs and east toward Greensburg
- PA Route 993: Runs through the township past Bushy Run Battlefield
- Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76): Crosses the township. The nearest interchanges are Irwin (Exit 67) and Monroeville (Exit 57). See the PA Turnpike for tolls and travel alerts.
- U.S. Routes 22 and 30: Reached to the north through Murrysville and to the south through North Huntingdon
Public Transit
Most trips are by car. Check Westmoreland Transit for current regional and commuter bus options.
Walkability & Bikeability
Harrison City is car-oriented, and most errands need a car. See Walk Score for Harrison City, PA. The township park and Bushy Run Battlefield both have walking trails.
Things to Do
Bushy Run Battlefield
Bushy Run Battlefield, at 1253 Bushy Run Road, covers 218 acres. It is run by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society. It has a visitor center with museum exhibits, a theater, and a gift shop, plus walking trails with interpretive signs. Battle reenactments are held the first full weekend of August. From May through October, the site is generally open Wednesday through Sunday, with shorter winter hours. Check the Bushy Run Battlefield website for current hours.
Penn Township Municipal Park Complex
The township’s main park, at 2001 Municipal Court in Harrison City, includes:
- A fishing pond, walking trails, and nature habitats
- Baseball fields (some lighted), batting cages, and soccer and football fields
- Tennis, basketball, sand volleyball, and deck hockey courts
- Large and small dog parks and a skateboard park
- The Warrior Wonderland playground and rentable picnic pavilions
The township has five more community playgrounds. See the parks page. Seasonal events such as a fall community yard sale and a Halloween event are listed on the township website.
Shopping & Dining
Local shops and restaurants are along Route 130 and in the township’s commercial areas. Larger retail is a short drive away along Route 22 in Murrysville and Monroeville and along Route 30 in North Huntingdon.
Library
The Penn Area Library is at 2001 Municipal Court, Harrison City, (724) 744-4414. It is part of Westmoreland County Libraries.
Local Services & Resources
Penn Township Municipal Building
2001 Municipal Court, Harrison City, PA 15636
Phone: (724) 744-2171
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: penntwp.org
Government: A five-member Board of Commissioners, one from each ward. Agendas are posted on the township website.
Trash, Water & Public Works
- Trash and recycling: Republic Services, (724) 907-5476. Trash and recycling are picked up on the same weekday, with recycling every other week. See the township’s garbage and recycling page for your pickup day.
- Public Works and water/sewer: (724) 863-5710
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police (non-emergency): Penn Township Police, 2000 Commercial Court, (724) 863-1119
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Forbes Hospital and UPMC East (Monroeville)
- Excela Westmoreland Hospital (Greensburg)
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or pool? Start with the township’s permits page or call the municipal building at (724) 744-2171.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrison City, PA a town?
No. Harrison City is a census-designated place in Penn Township, Westmoreland County. Local government comes from Penn Township.
What school district serves Harrison City?
The Penn-Trafford School District. Penn-Trafford High School is located in Harrison City.
How did Harrison City get its name?
It is named after Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president of the United States.
What is Bushy Run Battlefield?
The site of a 1763 battle during Pontiac’s War, when British troops on their way to relieve Fort Pitt were ambushed. It is now a 218-acre National Historic Landmark with a visitor center and trails.
If my address says Jeannette or Export, am I in Penn Township?
Possibly. Parts of Penn Township use Jeannette, Export, Irwin, Claridge, Penn, and Manor mailing addresses. Check the deed or tax bill to confirm the municipality.
Who collects trash in Penn Township?
Republic Services. Trash and recycling are picked up on the same weekday, and recycling is every other week.
How long is the drive from Harrison City to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 35 to 45 minutes, usually by Route 22 or the Turnpike and I-376. Traffic varies by time of day.
Where is the Penn Township municipal building?
At 2001 Municipal Court, Harrison City, PA 15636, next to the Penn Area Library and the township park. The phone number is (724) 744-2171.
Thinking About a Move to Harrison City?
Whether you are buying in Harrison City or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Penn Township listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
Explore Nearby Communities
- Murrysville (homes for sale)
- Jeannette (homes for sale)
- North Huntingdon (homes for sale)
- Trafford (homes for sale)
- Monroeville (homes for sale)
- Export (homes for sale)
Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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