Harnett County, NORTH CAROLINA (sources: Wikipedia; Harnett County website) Harnett County was formed in 1855 from Cumberland County.  It was named after Cornelius Harnett, a member of the Continental Congress.  Like Cumberland County and Fayetteville, Harnett County was settled by Scots in the early and mid 1700s.  It was a largely agricultural area, and is still very rural.  Agriculture is the largest source of income in the county.  The major towns in the county are Lillington, Dunn, Coats, Angier and Erwin. Harnett County Official county website with links to all departments. Census Bureau Quick Facts Demographic data. Harnett County Schools Links to local elementary, middle and high schools and ratings. Harnett County Economic Development Commission [ Home ]