Commerce in Hunt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Incorporation of Commerce
In 1870 a new bridge was constructed over the South Sulphur River, and traffic was diverted away from Cow Hill. Two years later, William Jernigin, a Cow Hill businessman, moved his mercantile store to a site closer to the Sulphur Springs-Bonham Highway. The crossroads near Jernigin's store became a major commercial center, and during the 1870s, the name Commerce was given to the village that grew up here.
On Sept. 12, 1885, an election for incorporation was held, and the village residents voted in favor of the proposal. Incorporation of the city of Commerce was granted on Sept. 25th by Hunt County Judge J. S. Sherrill. Sherrill appointed W. W. Rutland as mayor, and he served until Capt. W. E. Mangum was chosen for that position in the first city election. The mayor was assisted in the city government by four aldermen. Following its incorporation, the city continued its activities as a strong Hunt County commercial center.
Erected 1980 by Texas Historical Commission . (Marker Number 7780.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is September 12, 1885.
Location. 33° 15.031′ N, 95° 54′ W. Marker is in Commerce, Texas, in Hunt County. Marker is at the intersection of Pecan Street and Main Street, on the right when traveling north on Pecan Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Pecan Street, Commerce TX 75428, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historical Stop - Downtown Commerce (here, next to this marker); First Baptist Church of Commerce (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jernigin's Store (about 600 feet away); Bruce B. Williams American Legion Post No. 1 (about 600 feet away); Commerce Post Office (about 600 feet away); First Christian Church of Commerce (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Commerce (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Commerce Churches (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Commerce.
Also see . . . Wikipedia article on Commerce, Texas. (Submitted on July 11, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 188 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 11, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.