Port Acres was subdivided in 1923 by the Tyrrell-Combest Company of Beaumont on land owned by J. M. Hebert. St. Therese Parish and Montrose Park add religious and recreational local points of interest to this settlement history.
Location and Character of Port Acres
Port Acres lies between State Highway 73 and Farm Road 365, west of downtown Port Arthur. The community is still often regarded as distinct. Both roads and downtown Port Arthur serve as points of reference for finding your way around.
St. Therese Parish and Religious History
St. Therese Parish in the Port Acres area is distinctive in Jefferson County: it is considered the only Catholic institution whose patron reflects the French culture evident there. The parish built its first church in 1928. A special shrine was built on the church lawn in 1988. Six decades separate the first church building and the shrine. This chronological contrast gives the religious history a clear framework, while the patronage establishes a distinct cultural connection.
School and Transportation History
Transportation and education history also provide concrete local connections. Port Acres has historical ties to the El Vista Railroad stop. The settlement’s rapid growth made it necessary to build a school. In 1934, Port Acres had an eight-room brick school building, which cost about $80,000 to provide. The school building was located half a mile southwest of the El Vista station. The link to the settlement’s growth explains why the school building plays a role in Port Acres’ history; details about the building and its location bring this part of local history to life.
Montrose Park
Montrose Park is located at Wilson Street and Amy Street in the Port Acres community. The municipal inventory of amenities lists benches, a barbecue grill and picnic tables, as well as a playground and a basketball court; the amenities may change as a result of maintenance. This places seating and picnic options alongside facilities for play and basketball; the park has a different focus from the history of the church and school. Since amenities may change due to maintenance, it is worth checking the condition of the facilities before your visit.
Port Acres as a Destination for Finding Accommodation
Different priorities come together when planning a trip: local and religious history on the one hand, and the park’s specific facilities on the other. Which of these shapes your stay may also matter when choosing accommodation. Enter Port Acres as your destination and compare the specific location of an offer with the places you want to include. This way, you can tailor your search to your own travel plans instead of choosing based only on a larger place name.
Discover more destinations: Nederland, Groves, Port Arthur, Beaumont
For the broader travel overview: Jefferson.
