a city in the United States of North America, capital of Pennsylvania, and the seat of justice of Dauphin county, is situated on the E. bank of the Susquehanna River, 100 miles W. by N. of Philadelphia. It stands on an elevated plain between the river and Paxton Creek. The state buildings occupy an eminence in the north part of the town. The capitol is an extensive brick building, 180 feet long by 80 feet wide, having a circular portico in front, supported by 6 Ionic columns, and surmounted by a dome. On each side of the capitol is a smaller building, uniform in design, and containing the executive chamber, the state treasury, &c. Harrisburg also contains a state arsenal, county-prison, bank, savings' bank, about twelve churches, Masonic hall, and a Lancasterian school. Among its manufactories are two extensive iron furnaces, a rolling mill, and several breweries and potteries. One daily and eight weekly newspapers are published here. The Pennsylvania railway is here connected with the Lancaster and Harrisburg railway. Harrisburg was founded in 1785, was incorporated in 1808, and in 1812 it became the capital of the state. Pop. (1853) about 8500.