Pierce, Texas

Pierce is an unincorporated community in Wharton County in the U.S. state of Texas. The community is located along U.S. Highway 59 in central Wharton County, between El Campo and Wharton. The town is named for Abel Head "Shanghai" Pierce an influential cattleman.

Pierce, Texas
Unincorporated community
Pierce, Texas
Location within the state of Texas
Coordinates: 29°14′21″N 96°12′00″W
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountyWharton
Elevation98 ft (30 m)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
77467
Area code(s)979
GNIS1365193[1]

Geography

Pierce is situated at 29°14′21″N 96°12′00″W.[1] Although it is unincorporated, Pierce has a post office, with the ZIP code of 77467.[2] According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had an estimated population of 49 in 2000.[3]

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Pierce has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[4]

History

Shanghai Pierce established the town as a tribute to himself and as an alternative place of business to nearby Wharton. Shanghai funded the construction of a fine hotel meant to anchor commerce and also attempted to have the county seat relocated from Wharton to the town of Pierce. Shanghai's efforts were in vain as the hotel eventually failed and the county seat remained in Wharton. Local folklore states that Shanghai's notorious reputation and local residents' disdain for him resulted in very few hotel patrons which led to the collapse of both hotel and eventually the town itself. In 1895 the name of the town was shortened to Pierce from its original name, Pierce's Station.[5]

  • The small US Post Office is on Pierce Street.
  • This church is on Loop 526 in Pierce.
  • An historic marker stands at the site of a former hotel.

Education

Public education in the community of Pierce is provided by the El Campo Independent School District and Wharton Independent School District.

References
  1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Pierce, Texas. Retrieved on August 15, 2013.
  2. Zip Code Lookup
  3. Hudgins, Merle R. "Handbook of Texas Online: PIERCE, TX". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  4. Climate Summary for Pierce, Texas
  5. "Pierce, Texas". Texas Escapes Online Magazine. Retrieved October 18, 2009.



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