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The history of McKinney
Historic downtown McKinney's courthouse square anchors the city, with the Heard Museum's nature sanctuary nearby and newer districts like Craig Ranch spreading north of Dallas.
People who shaped McKinney
These milestones are an introduction, not a complete local history. Follow the linked city and museum sources to explore the people and places behind them.Read the local historical account.
Watch the city’s history
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Amazing Way to Learn History in McKinney, TX
A local history film shared by The Daytripper.
Watch on YouTube ↗Famous people born in McKinney
See all 48 famous people
- 1848
Collin County seat
McKinney was named the county seat of Collin County, near the geographic center of the county.
City reference ↗ - 1849
A townsite and incorporation
William Davis donated 120 acres for the townsite, and McKinney incorporated.
City reference ↗ - 1872
The railroad
The railroad arrived, bringing the growth McKinney had not yet seen.
City reference ↗ - 1874
The courthouse
Construction began on the Old Collin County Courthouse on the town square.
City reference ↗ - 1889
Electric lights
The city installed electric lights.
City reference ↗
See the history for yourself.
Walk the historic downtown square around the old Collin County Courthouse, then visit Chestnut Square Historic Village. Check current opening hours before setting out.Historical Preservation Society.
For deeper research, the McKinney library resources is a starting point for archival material and research help. Historic photographs have their own permissions; we link to the collection instead of treating every old image as free to reuse.
Selected milestones researched October 9, 2026. This is an introduction, not a complete account of the city’s history.