This is a section of a photo of Pierce. According to records, Pierce was a coal town and was known as an Italian Town. The town was named for Winslow Pierce, President of the Western Maryland Railway from
1902-1907 and came into existence in 1912 when a branch line from Sand Run Junction to Mine 43 was opened. Pierce had its own Post Office until 1953 when it was closed. In 1920, the population was 1,500. The Western Maryland operated shuttles trains from Pierce to Thomas and to Davis. Pierce has all the conveniences for the time: electricity, gas, water, telephones, fire protection and an opera house. There was a six room school which closed in 1953. Pierce has a very fine all Italian Band directed by Patsy Santangelo. It was organized in 1915 and broke up in 1917 when the men went off to WWI. After the war it reorganized in 1919 and continued until 1932 when Patsy moved to Thomas. Ideas or comments contact Tim Turner (304) 478-3389.