Mr. Harris was established on land of his own here in 1766. In 1874 the Post Office underwent a change of name from Harris Depot to Harrisburg. A business district and town center developed down by the railroad, but in 1923, with the construction of what is now known as N.C. 49, Harrisburg's business district shifted to the new road. Harrisburg Depot closed in 1933. Located in southwest Cabarrus County bordering Mecklenburg County, the Town of Harrisburg was incorporated in 1973.
Government is by a seven member council and mayor.
The town hall built in 1981 is located on N.C. 49. A town-wide water system was completed in 1980, followed by the town's wastewater system in 1985. Harrisburg's close neighbors include Charlotte Motor Speedway and the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Harrisburg is served by the Harrisburg Rescue Squad and the Harrisburg Fire Department, Inc., all volunteers, and contracts with the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Department for full-time police protection. Harrisburg's economic strength can best be judged by its business and industrial growth.