Park History
In 1985, Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space signed a lease with Progress Energy for a 680-acre regional park facility on Harris Lake. Park construction began in 1997 with Phase 1 construction. This phase was built with the 1993 Bond Referendum money.
The park opened to the public in May 1999.
A Bit of History
Long before Progress Energy purchased the land that comprises Harris Lake County Park and the surrounding area, a small community of farms and home-sites existed. The Womble family had resided in the area since the 1700s.
Information about the cultural history of the area was compiled through interviews by NCSU graduate students Scott Bode and Sarah Nothstine with the previous landowners. The homes of the Womble, Smith and Holleman families were researched through family interviews and archives. Park staff are fortunate to have this valuable historical information and plan to construct interpretive exhibits to educate visitors on the history of the area.
Agriculture was a way of life for the families living in the area. Livestock was raised, and cotton was grown. Additional crops included tobacco, peanuts and sweet potatoes. Sugar caning was a popular activity, to produce molasses. Occasional trips to the city market in downtown Raleigh provided income from the families' produce.
Remnants from the home-sites can still be seen along the trails at the park.