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This Is Heritage McKinney Square
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Next-Level Living
Boundless Living
in Collin County
Historic McKinney Square
Chestnut Square Historic Village
McKinney Farmers Market
Tupps Brewery
Old Settlers Park
McKinney Town Centre
1841 – Pioneers “Gone to Texas”
The Peter’s Colony settlers arrived along the Texas Frontier to establish roots and create new homesteads with the promise of free land and a better life ahead. Arriving in wagons pulled by oxen or horses, pioneers later established farms, commerce, and communities.
1848 – A Name You Know Well
The name McKinney was chosen by the Texas Legislature, named after Collin McKinney, who was a pioneer and land surveyor. He helped draft, and later sign, the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico in 1836.
1872 – Railroad Roots
The local railroad junction running through this area offered reliable transportation for people and goods to move in and out of McKinney, which helped promote the city’s unprecedented growth throughout the coming years.
1875 – Court is in Session!
Construction began as early as 1874, but the courthouse was officially completed and opened in 1875. North of San Antonio, it was known as the tallest building in Texas, and still stands today.
1883 – Who’s Calling?
The first ever telephone exchange was documented in McKinney.
1885 – A City, Growing
Booming infrastructure and a budding economy from producing high-demand goods meant more people lived in town. At this time, the city had well-established newspapers, banks, an opera house, churches, and roughly 2,000 residents.
1889 – Light the Town
Electric lights first illuminated throughout the streets of McKinney.
1892 – Making of the Mills
Collin County was known as one of the top producers of corn, wheat, oats, and cotton, with the earliest known mill established in 1892. The Texas Cotton Mill Company opened in McKinney in 1910 and was one of the first in the state to manufacture pigmented-print cloth.