National Register Listings in
Collin County, Texas

Allen Water Station Aston Building Beverly-Harris House Bingham, John H., House Board-Everett House Brown, John R., House Burrus-Finch House Celina Public School Clardy, U. P., House Cline-Bass House Coggins, J. R., House Collin County Mill and Elevator Company Crouch-Perkins House Davis, H. L., House Davis-Hill House Dowell, J. S., House Dulaney, Joe E., House Dulaney, Joseph Field, House Estes House Faires, F. C., House Faires-Bell House Fairview H&TC Railroad Historic District Farmersville Commercial Historic District Farmersville Masonic Lodge No. 214, A.F. and A.M Ferguson, John H., House Foote-Crouch House Fox, S. H., House Goodner, Jim B., House Gough-Hughston House Heard-Craig House Hill, Ben, House Hill, John B., House Hill, Moran, House Hill, W. R., House Hill-Webb Grain Elevator House at 1303 W. Louisiana House at 201 N. Graves House at 301 E. Lamar House at 610 Tucker House at 704 Parker Houses at 406 and 408 Heard Johnson, John, House Johnson, Thomas, House King, Mrs. J. C., House Kirkpatrick, E. W., House and Barn McKinney Commercial Historic District McKinney Cotton Compress Plant McKinney Cotton Mill Historic District McKinney Hospital, Old McKinney Residential Historic District Neathery, Sam, House Nenney, J. P., House Newsome, R. F., House Newsome-King House Plano Downtown Historic District Plano Station, Texas Electric Railway Rhea, John C., House Saigling House Scott, A. M., House Scott, L. A., House Smith, W. D., House Taylor, J. H., House Texas Pool Thompson House Waddill, R. L., House Wiley, Thomas W., House Wilson, A. G., House Wilson, Ammie, House
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Collin County, Texas, boasts a captivating history that spans generations. The region was initially home to Native American tribes before European settlers arrived. In the mid-1800s, as pioneers and immigrants ventured into the area, Collin County experienced remarkable growth and development.

Established in 1846, Collin County derived its name from Collin McKinney, a prominent figure in early Texas history and one of the five drafters of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county played a significant role in the state's development during its early years.

Throughout the 19th century, Collin County prospered due to factors like the expansion of railroads and the establishment of agricultural communities. Cotton farming became a key industry, and towns such as McKinney, the county seat, flourished with commercial and cultural activity.

In the 20th century, Collin County continued to evolve. The discovery of oil, the growth of suburban areas, and the establishment of technology companies fueled its economic development. The county transformed into a thriving and diverse region with a robust economy encompassing sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance.

Today, Collin County stands as a testament to its rich heritage. With its picturesque landscapes, historic downtowns, and vibrant communities, the county has become an attractive destination for residents and businesses alike. Collin County embraces its history while embracing the opportunities of the present, maintaining its position as a dynamic and prosperous part of the great state of Texas.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Collin County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Collin County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche.

  • 1846: Collin County was established shortly after Texas joined the United States as the 28th state. It was named in honor of Collin McKinney, a pioneer and one of the signatories of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

  • Mid to Late 1800s: Collin County experienced rapid growth and development, primarily fueled by the arrival of European-American settlers. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became a significant economic driver in the region.

  • 1872: The city of McKinney was named the county seat, named after Collin McKinney. It grew into a prominent center of commerce and government in Collin County.

  • Early 1900s: Collin County continued to thrive, and communities within the county flourished. The growth of railroads, such as the Texas Electric Railway, further facilitated trade and transportation in the region.

  • Late 20th Century: Collin County experienced significant suburbanization and population growth, driven by its proximity to Dallas. The county became an attractive destination for families and businesses seeking a balance between urban amenities and a suburban lifestyle.

  • 21st Century: Collin County has continued to expand and diversify economically. It has become a hub for technology, telecommunications, healthcare, and other industries. The county maintains its rich agricultural heritage while embracing modern advancements.