Alfred, Texas, Jim Wells County. (original) (raw)

Jim Wells County, South Texas

27� 52' 50" N, 97� 59' 5" W (27.880556, -97.984722)

TX Hwy 359
12 Miles NE of Alice the county seat
Area code 361
Population: 81 Est. (2019) 91 (2010) 10 (1990)

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History in a Pecan Shell

The community predates the establishment of Jim Wells County when it was in what was then Nueces County (1888).

A post office was granted in 1890 and named Driscoll. The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico railroad arrived in 1904. The postmaster of �old� Driscoll, applied for a change of name so that Robert Driscoll could have the new post office named after him.

Old Driscoll became Alfred, after the postmaster�s father. The Texas and New Orleans Railroad arrived in 1907. The 1914 population of Alfred was a mere 50 residents. It reached it�s zenith in 1927 when it was estimated at 300.

Nothing happened for the next 40 years except a decline in population. It hit 20 by the late 1960s and by 1990 it was 10.

Popular Monthly Event

Today Alfred is known for outdoor flea markets held on the first whole weekend of the month.

Nueces County 1907 (before Jim Wells County was formed)
postal map showing Alfred (NW corner)
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

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