Region: Prairies and Lakes
Originally known as Cow Hill, the town was established in 1872 by merchant
William Jernigin between the Middle and South Sulphur rivers on the rich, black
gumbo prairie in northeast Hunt County. The town was incorporated in 1885, and
nine years later, Prof. William L. Mayo moved East Texas Normal College from
Cooper to Commerce after the original school burned. Mayo continued as president
of the college, now known as Texas A&M University—Commerce, until his death
in 1917. He is buried on the campus grounds.
Commerce was named the "Bois d'arc Capital of Texas" by the Texas Legislature
because of its location in the geographic center of the indigenous range of the
bois d'arc tree. The second-largest bois d'arc tree in Texas—"Big Max,"
recognized by the National Forests Famous and Historic Trees—is within the city
limits. In September, the Bois d'Arc Bash celebrates these trees.
The lovely, quaint square and downtown are lined with lampposts, benches,
live oak trees and colorful plants, with antique brick streets completing the
historic setting. The Westside Barber Shop, established in 1886, offers a
glimpse of barbering in the early days.