Harriman

Harriman is a common surname with several notable individuals and places associated with it. In the United States, Harriman refers to a former village in Rockland County, New York, now a neighborhood within the town of Monroe. This area was historically significant for its role in early industrial development and transportation.

A prominent family bearing the Harriman name was the Harrimans of New York, most notably Edward Henry Harriman, a powerful railroad executive who played a crucial role in the expansion and consolidation of American railroads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His son, W. Averell Harriman, was a distinguished diplomat, businessman, and politician, serving in various high-level government positions during World War II and the Cold War.

The Harriman Institute at Columbia University, established in 1982, is named in honor of W. Averell Harriman and his family. It is a leading center for the study of Russia, Eurasia, and Eastern Europe. The Harriman School for Management and Policy, also at Stony Brook University, was another institution bearing the family name, though it has since been renamed. These institutions reflect the family's long-standing engagement with education, public service, and international affairs. The name Harriman thus carries a legacy of influence in both American business and public life.