The Chester Way Tour project combines place-based, often forgotten, stories of Harrisburg’s history from the 19th to the 20th century that illuminate the civil rights effort of the region. The first story of this tour, which I’m delighted to share, begins with the first European settler of Harrisburg, John Harris, a mulberry tree, and the rumored account of Harris’ enslaved servant, Hercules, who famously rescued Harris from near death.
Set around 1720—likely 1718 or 1719—the story famously begins with a band of Native Americans urging John Harris for liquor—and upon his refusal, they tie Harris up to a nearby mulberry tree, ready to immolate him. Observing this from afar, Hercules alerted another band of friendly Native Americans and led them to Harris’ rescue. And Harris, relieved and grateful to his rescuer, enthusiastically granted Hercules freedom from enslavement.
This dramatic story is complex yet vastly intriguing to research and engage. I delved into a well of research and discovered sources gathered nearly a hundred years after the incident. These consisted of multiple newspapers recounting the tale of Harris and Hercules and dozens of published books about Harrisburg’s founding history mentioning the attractive narrative. Furthermore, I decided to further the story of Harris and Hercules by exploring William A. Reeder’s painting, “The Attempt to Burn John Harris in 1839-1840″ first set up in Harrisburg’s capitol building in the 1930s.
With these sources surrounding the legacy of Harris and Hercules, I have gathered substantial information to drive the story forward. Additionally, I am exploring Pennsylvania’s enslavement history during its colonial period to offer an expansive contextual understanding of Harris and Hercules’ tale. Such provides insight into the social dynamics between enslaved African Americans, Native Americans, and White settlers.
Through the story of John Harris and Hercules, I hope to capture the significance of their experience at the mulberry tree, whose legacy has left an impression on Harrisburg’s region. My goal for this story reflects the larger goal of the humanities project of the Chester Way Tour—that it may expand on these hidden histories of civil rights in Harrisburg’s region and connect its community together.
Sophia Snyder is a history major at Messiah University. As a member of Messiah’s Humanities Project course, she is excited to participate in the Chester Way Tour project and share the contributions she has made thus far.
Digital Harrisburg 
Hi! I’m so glad that this oft-told story is being investigated and analyzed! Thank you, Sophia! I would love to know if you have found any evidence of the story’s factuality? I’m a member of the Harrisburg Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and we are always interested in learning more about John Harris Sr and Jr. With thanks, Anne Wain
>
Hello, Anne! Unfortunately, there’s no substantial evidence for the story’s factuality, which is a point I make in the essay. Because of that, in the essay, I look at how Harrisburg would retell this tale over time…which is very fascinating!