Ace, Texas

Ace is an unincorporated community in south-central Polk County, Texas, located along Farm Road 2610, approximately 75 miles northeast of Houston. Its postal code is 77326 and is served by the (936) telephone area code.^[2]

Ace
Unincorporated area
Ace Location within the state of Texas Show map of Texas Ace Ace (the United States) Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 30°32′11″N 94°49′28″W
Country	United States
State	Texas
County	Polk
Elevation [1]	53 m (174 ft)
Population  (2020)
• Total	137
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
GNIS feature ID	1379311[1]

Not to be confused with Abe, Texas.

History

The area now known as Ace has roots dating back to 1830, when Samuel C. Hiroms established a settlement called Smithfield about a mile south of the present-day site. Originally referred to as Smith's Field—named after early settler Robert Smith—the location served as a stopping point along the Liberty-Nacogdoches road and was home to a nearby group of Coushatta Indians. The 1834 census recorded only seven families in the Trinity River settlement of Smithfield.

By 1840, the settlement had moved to its current location and became a steamboat landing along the Trinity River. Several sawmills were established, and a post office operated as early as 1840. However, as other riverports gained prominence, Ace remained a small community. The post office was discontinued in 1871 but was reopened in 1915 and named Ace, after postmaster Ace Emanuel.

Oil discoveries in 1952 and again in 1969 brought brief periods of economic activity. The population, estimated at 25 in the mid-1940s, rose to 40 by the early 1970s and held steady through 2000.^[3] According to the 2020 Census, Ace had a population of 137 residents and 102 households.^[4]

Surrounding Subdivisions

Though Ace itself is small, the surrounding area includes several subdivisions that contribute to its residential base. These are not officially designated by the U.S. Census Bureau, but population estimates can be derived from utility and county data:

• Taylor Lake Estates is a lakeside subdivision southeast of Ace. Development began in the mid-1960s, with public promotion of waterfront lots by 1969. It remains an active residential area.
  • Estimated population: 422^[5]
• Wild Country Lake Estates, located south of Ace between U.S. Highway 146 and FM 2610, was developed in the late 1970s. Known for its streets named after country musicians, the area is gradually growing.
  • Estimated population: 618^[6]

Wild Country Lake Estates Dam and Bridge History

In 2008, Hurricane Ike severely damaged the dam in the Wild Country Lake Estates subdivision in Ace, Texas. Built in the late 1980s, the dam created a lake and served as a vital roadway linking both sides of the community. The storm left a major breach, cutting off access and adding an eight-mile detour between entrances on U.S. Highway 146 and FM 2610—impacting emergency response times.^[7]

Precinct 1 Commissioner Bob Willis led efforts to secure FEMA and state support for repairs, but funding delays, erosion, and a clogged spillway stalled progress. The dam ultimately failed on February 18, 2010.^[8]

With support from the Property Owners Association, Willis pursued construction of a permanent bridge. A government grant was eventually secured, and Longview Bridge & Road, Ltd. completed the project. The new bridge opened on April 18, 2015, restoring direct access and improving emergency services.^[9]

Geography & Environment

Ace lies just north of the Big Thicket National Preserve, a federally protected ecological region renowned for its biodiversity. Spanning over 113,000 acres, the preserve offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and nature observation. Just south of Ace, Birdwatchers Trail follows Menard Creek and leads to scenic views of the Trinity River. This proximity to the Big Thicket underscores Ace’s connection to one of Texas’s most ecologically diverse environments.^[10]

Emergency Services

Ace is served by the South Polk County Volunteer Fire Department, which provides fire protection and emergency services to the community of Ace and neighboring areas.

Education

Public education for Ace residents is provided by the Livingston Independent School District.