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Historic Building Stories & local character

The Old Collin County Courthouse Served the County from 1876 to 1979

Collin County History & Culture

The courthouse was completed in 1876 on the 100 block of North Tennessee Avenue in downtown McKinney. It was built from stone quarried locally and designed by Sherman architect Charles Wheelock. The building served as the county courthouse until 1979.

In 1926 and 1927 the building underwent major changes under architect W.A. Peters: a basement and third floor were added, and floor levels were modified. The Texas Historical Commission recognizes the site on its Atlas of Texas Historical Sites. Today it stands as part of McKinney's historic downtown area.

Content last revised 2026-07-11

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More stories and useful context near Collin County

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Stories & local character

Myers Park Has a Free Farm Museum That Shows Early Collin County Rural Life

Collin County runs a free Farm Museum at Myers Park. It preserves tools, equipment, and buildings from the county's farming past.

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Stories & local character

Railroads in the 1870s–1890s Opened Collin County to Large-Scale Farming

Before 1872, Collin County farmers had no good way to ship crops far away. The railroads changed that and transformed the county's economy.

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Practical

Most of Collin County's Tap Water Comes from Lake Lavon

The North Texas Municipal Water District supplies treated water to most cities in Collin County, drawing heavily from Lake Lavon, which sits in the county.

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Stories & local character

McKinney Grew from a Donated Townsite into the County Seat

McKinney became the county seat of Collin County in 1848 after a landowner donated 120 acres for the original townsite.

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Place pages in Collin County

AllenAnnaBlue RidgeCarrolltonCelinaDallas

Nearby county shelves

Rockwall (30) Hunt (21) Grayson (26) Dallas (64) Denton (48) Fannin (12)