Collin County

Duane's take

Here's how the official marker tells it, and I'll do my best to do it justice. Collin County, and friend, there's more packed into that name than most folks ever stop to think about. This county was formed from Fannin County, created on April 3, 1846, and organized not long after on July 13 of that same year.

Now, 1846 was a busy time in Texas, and Collin County was right there in the thick of it. But before we get to the county itself, let's talk about the man it was named for; because Collin McKinney is one of those figures who deserves more than a passing nod. Born in 1766, lived all the way to 1861.

Land surveyor. Signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Member of Congress of the Republic of Texas.

Member of the Texas Legislature. The man left his mark on this land in just about every way a person can. So when they went to name a county, well, the honor had to go somewhere worthy.

And Collin McKinney was that. Now, the first county seat (and here's the part that tends to surprise people) wasn't McKinney at all. It was a place called Buckner.

Buckner held that distinction from 1846 to 1848. And since then? McKinney has been the county seat, and McKinney it has remained.

Two years for Buckner. Everything since for McKinney. Some legacies are quiet like that: steady, rooted, lasting.

Just like the man who lent his name to all of it.

What the marker says

Formed from Fannin County. Created April 3, 1846. Organized July 13, 1846. Named in honor of Collin McKinney 1766-1861, land surveyor, signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, member of Congress, Republic of Texas, member of the Texas Legislature. County seat, Buckner, 1846-1848 McKinney, since. (2,5 mi. S McKinney, US Hy 75)