Pierz
Minnesota
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City Of Pierz
History
The City of Pierz had it's beginnings in 1869 when Pierz Township was established under the namesake of Father Francis Xavier Pierz. Incorporated under the name of Rich Prairie in 1892, the 48 citizens voted unanimously to change the name of their city to Pierz in honor of Father Pierz, a Slovenian-born Indian missionary priest who established St. Joseph's Catholic Church. The Church still stands as a prominent feature and social gathering place in the center of town. The City of Pierz grew as German Catholics settled the area.
The broad expanses of rich soil were ideal for the farming enterprise that became the foundation of the area's economy. It sprawned the growth of an agriculture-based community of implement dealers, feed businesses, blacksmiths, creameries and stores catering to farmer's needs. The growing community also needed lumberyards, crafts people and hardware stores. Merchants of all kinds found customers in this properous community. Though other industries have grouwn in Pierz, there is still a big emphasis on agriculture and the richness of the surrounding prairies soil.
Today, the population of Pierz maintains its strong German Heritage, with nearly 80 percent of the population being of German decent. Highways 25 and 27 connect residents to regional jobs and bring tourists through town on their way to the Central Lakes Region. The population has grown to over 1,277 residents, with a large senior base and a growing number of young families. The City operates its own police and fire department, as well as the Pierz Municipal Golf Course and Campgrounds. The City also owns and operates its own electrical utility and, in cooperation with other communites, established a Water and Sanitary Sewer district. In 2002, Pierz constructed a new Industrial Park. No longer a small community of 48 citizens, the City of Pierz is now a neighborhood center serving the surrounding communites of Genola, Buckman, Harding, and Lastrup.
The City of Pierz had it's beginnings in 1869 when Pierz Township was established under the namesake of Father Francis Xavier Pierz. Incorporated under the name of Rich Prairie in 1892, the 48 citizens voted unanimously to change the name of their city to Pierz in honor of Father Pierz, a Slovenian-born Indian missionary priest who established St. Joseph's Catholic Church. The Church still stands as a prominent feature and social gathering place in the center of town. The City of Pierz grew as German Catholics settled the area.
The broad expanses of rich soil were ideal for the farming enterprise that became the foundation of the area's economy. It sprawned the growth of an agriculture-based community of implement dealers, feed businesses, blacksmiths, creameries and stores catering to farmer's needs. The growing community also needed lumberyards, crafts people and hardware stores. Merchants of all kinds found customers in this properous community. Though other industries have grouwn in Pierz, there is still a big emphasis on agriculture and the richness of the surrounding prairies soil.
Today, the population of Pierz maintains its strong German Heritage, with nearly 80 percent of the population being of German decent. Highways 25 and 27 connect residents to regional jobs and bring tourists through town on their way to the Central Lakes Region. The population has grown to over 1,277 residents, with a large senior base and a growing number of young families. The City operates its own police and fire department, as well as the Pierz Municipal Golf Course and Campgrounds. The City also owns and operates its own electrical utility and, in cooperation with other communites, established a Water and Sanitary Sewer district. In 2002, Pierz constructed a new Industrial Park. No longer a small community of 48 citizens, the City of Pierz is now a neighborhood center serving the surrounding communites of Genola, Buckman, Harding, and Lastrup.