The Man Behind McKinney and How He Shaped Collin County
Collin McKinney
Who was Collin McKinney?
Collin McKinney was born in 1766 in New Jersey and grew up in a large frontier family, moving through several states as a young man. He worked as a farmer, merchant, and land surveyor, gaining the skills and experience that would eventually make him a respected voice on the Texas frontier.
Why did Collin McKinney come to Texas?
Like many settlers in the early 1800s, McKinney came to Texas in search of opportunity and land for his family. He arrived in what was then Mexican Texas in the 1820s, drawn by affordable land and the chance to help build new communities. Over time he became a community leader and trusted representative for the people living in northeast Texas.
How did he influence Texas history?
Collin McKinney played a key role in the movement for Texas independence. He served as one of the delegates at the Convention of 1836 at Washington-on-the-Brazos, where Texas leaders declared independence from Mexico. He was on the small committee that helped draft the Texas Declaration of Independence and then signed it, leaving a permanent mark on the state’s history. He later served in the Congress of the Republic of Texas, helping shape early laws and land policies that influenced how North Texas would grow.
Where is Collin McKinney’s homestead?
McKinney eventually settled in North Texas near what is now the Collin–Grayson county line. His homestead stood in the area north of present-day Collin County, and today a preserved cabin associated with him can be visited in McKinney. This historic structure offers a glimpse into what life was like for early settlers and connects modern residents to the area’s pioneer roots.
Collin McKinney’s Cabin
The legacy he left in McKinney and Collin County
Collin County was named in his honor as a tribute to his service to Texas and his influence on the region. Not long after, the county seat was established and named McKinney, meaning both the county and the city carry his name. Today, when people in North Texas talk about living, working, or doing business in McKinney or Collin County, they are using the legacy of Collin McKinney every day—often without realizing it.
From his journey to Texas to his role in drafting the Texas Declaration of Independence, Collin McKinney helped shape the political and geographic landscape of North Texas. His name lives on in the city of McKinney, in Collin County, and in the ongoing growth and success of this vibrant area.