History of Pierz

The City of Pierz began 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 city name to Pierz in honor of Father Pierz. Father Francis Xavier Pierz was a Slovenian-born Indian missionary priest who established the 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 spawned 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 prosperous community.  Though other industries have grown in Pierz, there is still an emphasis on agriculture and the richness of the surrounding prairies soil.

Today, the population of Pierz maintains its strong German Heritage, with nearly 60 percent of the population being of German descent.  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 1,300 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 communities, 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 communities of Genola, Buckman, Harding, and Lastrup.