Shanghai Pierce Ranch

Abel Head Pierce reached Texas as a stowaway. In June 1854 he hid aboard a schooner for Indianola, was found and put to work, then split rails near Port Lavaca and branded his first cattle AP. After the Civil War he rebuilt from nothing, and in time he held 250,000 acres. The Handbook of Texas says he tested ticks as the cause of Texas fever and sought resistant cattle in Europe, returning convinced Brahmans were the likeliest answer. The 1900 hurricane, a bank failure and a railroad purchase cost him over $1.25 million. The ranch is private land.

What the plaque says

Shanghai Pierce Ranch The home of a great trail driver Abel H. Pierce, born in June 29, 1834. Died December 26, 1900. From a penniless cowboy, he rose through energy and shrewdness to the rank of "cattle king."

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Site Of Pierce Hotel — 1.1 mi
• El Campo — 5.7 mi
• Wharton Training School — 7.1 mi
• City of Wharton — 7.1 mi