Pearsall, Texas, Frio County seat. (original) (raw)
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History in a Pecan Shell
The town's name was taken from the vice president of the International-Great Northern Railroad Thomas W. Pearsall.
Travelers between Frio Town and Pleasanton in the 1870s stopped for water at a place called Wagner's Well. The International-Great Northern Railroad bought the land around the well and in February of 1882 the railroad platted the town of Pearsall.
As in many other Texas towns, one formerly prosperous town (in this case the county seat of Frio Town) abandoned their homes (and courthouse) to move closer to the railroad tracks and a connection with the rest of the world.
Excursion trains came from San Antonio to entice people to buy lots in the new town. Two years after being platted, Pearsall had 700 people and had been declared the new county seat.
They also had a school, churches and weekly newspaper known as the Pearsall News.
A fire burned much of downtown, but in 1890 there were 1,000 Pearsallians.
In 1907 the Frio Cotton Oil Company was founded and also the Pearsall Artesian Well Company, which provided the town with electricity.
A bank was opened in 1908 and the city incorporated in 1909.
In 1914 Pearsall's population had climbed to 2,000 and amenities included several newspapers, stores, and the 500-seat Laurel Opera House.
In 1936 Pearsall's population was 2,536.
Oil was discovered in the 1930s, so the town didn't fare as poorly as other places. Most of Pearsall's roads were paved in 1947.
In 1980 Pearsall had an estimated population of 6,450. In the early 1990s the town had something of an oil boom.
Pearsall, Texas
Attractions & Landmarks
Photo Gallery
Pearsall Presbyterian Church
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1971
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, February 2009
Pearsall Presbyterian Church historical marker
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, February 2009
Historical Marker: Pecan Street and Comal Street, Pearsall
Pearsall Presbyterian Church
Organized on March 31, 1884, in home of Mrs. Mary Dorsey. Elders: Dr. J. R. Boyd, James Ferries, James Thompson; Trustees: C. W. Gribble, R. J. Harkness, J. S. Powell, E. B. Rutledge, James Thompson. First pastor was the Rev. W. S. Wright. Church structure was dedicated on December 8, 1885. The oldest church building in continuous use in Pearsall, this has its original pulpit, communion table, pews. In 1970 church became ecumenical.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1971
Red Chain Feeds Ghost Sign
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, February 2009
"Sal And Lillie Armstrong on Frio County Ranch near Pearsall in 1906 (year they left for Big Wells)"
- Photo courtesy Bill Armstrong
Pearsall, Texas Forum
Subject: "Birdhouse" picture in Pearsall
Hi, Sarah, Thanks for the pictures of things in Pearsall that you submitted to TexasEscapes. However, I think I must tell you that the "birdhouse" is not a birdhouse at all, although it seems to be very attractive to birds. In reality, it is a siren that was formerly used to summon volunteer firemen to the fire station. It was also used to warn residents of Pearsall about impending severe weather events or even air-raids (during World War II).
By the way, the People's State Bank building is now home to Garcia's Restaurant instead of the Cactus Bowl. A bar and gaming room is on the second floor. It seems to be very popular with the multitude of oil-field workers and residents of the area.
I enjoyed your website. Thanks again. - George C. Toalson, December 05, 2011
Subject: People's State Bank
"The [top] photo shows the People's State Bank and, on the second floor, the Laurel Opera House. Unfortunately, I have no information about the occasion surrounding this gathering of the townsfolk, nor of its date, although I believe it to be about 1920. In later years a third floor was added to this building, and it eventually housed the A & C Hardware store. Today (April 2006) it is home to the Cactus Bowl Cafe, which moved from its former location at the corner of North Oak and Rio Grande streets in 2005." - George C. Toalson, April 28, 2006.
Book Hotels > Pearsall Hotels
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Windmills TE photo, July 2001 |
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1920 Frio County map
From Texas state map #10749
Courtesy Texas General Land Office
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