Ferris

History

Settlement of the area began in the early 1870s. On September 28, 1874, a local family deeded approximately of land to four trustees for the establishment of a town and railway station. Judge Justus Wesley Ferris of Waxahachie handled the transaction, and the community was named for him. Within ten years, Ferris had a population of 300 with a post office, gristmills, cotton gins, four churches, and a school. On September 18, 1882, an election was held to incorporate the community. A total of 47 votes were cast, 34 (72%) in favor of incorporation and 13 (28%) against. Ferris thrived during the early post-war years. Four brick plants operated during the 1950s, and the community was known locally as the "Brick Capital of the Nation". In 1994, Ferris won the 3-A State Championship in men's basketball.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and is water. Most of the city lies within Ellis County, with only a small portion in Dallas County. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Ferris has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Ferris was on July 18/20, 2022, while the coldest temperature recorded was on December 22, 1989, and February 15–16, 2021.

Race & ethnicity