Port Acres, Port Arthur, Texas facts for kids

Port Acres is a part of Port Arthur, Texas, in the United States. It used to be a separate community in eastern Jefferson County. This area is located between Texas State Highway 73 and Farm to Market Road 365, just west of Downtown Port Arthur.

In 1923, a company called Tyrrell-Combest Company from Beaumont planned and developed Port Acres. The land was owned by J. M. Hebert. The community was built near a train stop called El Vista. By 1949, about 1,500 people lived in Port Acres. In 1959, residents voted to become their own town, with 578 votes for and 180 against. However, Port Arthur decided to add Port Acres to its own city instead.

The Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau describes Port Acres as a "self-contained" community. This means it often feels like its own small town within the larger city.

Johnie Alford, also known as "Papa John," was a very kind businessman in Port Acres. He was born on April 9, 1919. He owned Alford's Super Market. Johnie Alford helped bring city water to the homes in Port Acres. He was known for being very generous. He often supported schools, sports teams, and many other good causes. His smart marketing ideas and acts of kindness made a big difference in the community. He is remembered as a great helper in Port Acres.

Education in Port Acres

Students in Port Acres attend schools within the Port Arthur Independent School District. The local schools serving this area are Port Acres Elementary School and Austin Middle School. Port Acres Elementary School is located right in Port Acres. All students in the district attend Memorial High School for their high school years.

Port Acres Elementary School was first built and opened in March 1953. It was originally named Richard W. Dowling Elementary School. In October 2018, the school's name was changed to Port Acres Elementary School.