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Pierce, Texas
Pierce, Texas is located in Texas
Pierce, Texas
Pierce, Texas
Location in Texas
Country United States
State Texas
County Wharton
Elevation
98 ft (30 m)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
77467
Area code(s) 979
GNIS 1365193

Pierce is an unincorporated community in Wharton County, Texas, United States. 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 had an estimated population of 49 in 2000.

Geography

Pierce is situated at 29°14′21″N 96°12′00″W / 29.23917°N 96.20000°W / 29.23917; -96.20000. Although it is unincorporated, Pierce has a post office, with the ZIP code of 77467. According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had an estimated population of 49 in 2000.

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.

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.

Education

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

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