Originally inhabited by Native American tribes Collin County was founded on April 3 1846. It was formed from part of Fannin County. Both Collin County and its county seat, McKinney, were named after Collin McKinney. He was a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
Collin County is located in northeastern Texas. It is thirty miles south of the Red River. McKinney is thirty-four miles northeast of Dallas. The county’s center lies at approximately 33°11′ north latitude. It also lies at 96°34′ west longitude.
Collin County covers 851 square miles. Most of it lies within the Blackland Prairie region of Texas. The surface is generally level to gently rolling. The elevation ranges from 450 to 700 feet above sea level.
Deep clayey soils cover the central and western part of Collin County. Dark loamy alluvial soils lie in the eastern section. These are subject to flooding during the rainy season. The East fork of the Trinity River drains the western and central portions. The Elm fork of the Trinity drains the eastern section.
Temperatures in Collin County range widely. The average high in July is 96°F. The average low in January is 34°F. Rainfall averages just under thirty-five inches a year. The growing season extends for 237 days.
Early settlers were attracted by offers of free land. The absence of organized Indian resistance helped. By 1860 only 1047 of the 9264 residents were black. The cotton harvest was of no significance.
Collin County voted against secession in 1861. James W Throckmorton influenced this vote. He was a native of McKinney and a Texas state senator. However more than 1500 residents enlisted in the defense of the South.
The arrival of the railroad in 1872 spurred economic growth in Collin County. It connected McKinney and Plano to Houston. By the mid-1890s six railroads crisscrossed the county. Farmers began to cultivate the fertile land.
By the 1920s Collin County had new roads. Thirteen communities had electricity natural gas and a telephone exchange. In 1920 McKinney had 6677 residents. The county population was 49609.
The Great Depression and mechanization led to a population decline. By the mid-1950s the economy recovered. The Texas Research Foundation helped improve farming practices. Lake Lavon prevented flooding of rich bottomland.
By 1980 light industry and the growth of Dallas produced a diversified economy in Collin County. Most residents worked outside the county. Plano’s population increased dramatically. Collin County’s population grew from 41692 in 1960 to 144576 in 1980.
Today Collin County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the US. Its strategic location economic opportunities and high quality of life drive this growth. The county is predominantly Republican. However demographic and voting trends have made it more competitive in national elections.
Collin County boasts a robust transportation system. This includes highways and local roads. Public transit options are expanding. Several infrastructure projects are underway to alleviate traffic congestion.
Collin County offers a high quality of life. Its diverse communities a rich history and a strong economy make it appealing. Ongoing infrastructure projects and community initiatives enhance its vibrancy.