Most people know Plano for the city’s shops, their variety of restaurants, and the historic charm of their downtown area. What you might not know is how Plano came to be what it is today.
Here are some cools facts that you probably did not know about Plano’s history.
How it Started
The community of Plano originated in the early 1840’s according to the Texas State Historical Association. Most of the early pioneers migrated from Kentucky and Tennessee as small groups of settlers found their way to Collin County’s blackland prairie.
Their initial efforts to settle the area began in 1841, but their plans were interrupted by attacks from a Native American tribe. These attacks persisted until 1844. The following year, people from Peters colony moved into the area and did not experience any more violence. In 1846, a man named William Foreman bought Peter’s Colony land from Sanford Beck and settled in the area. The establishment of Plano was successful due to the enterprises of the Foreman family. Mr. Foreman constructed multiple mills in the area that were valued by his neighbors. Later, a store and gin were added, and these facilities attracted other settlers to the area.
How Plano Got its Name
In 1852, the community established a post office for the area. When this happened, many names were considered for the new town, such as Forman and Fillmore, for President Millard Fillmore, but the postal authorities approved Plano which is Spanish for “flat”. This name was suggested by Dr. Henry Dye because he mistakenly understood it to mean “plain,” which was his description of the surrounding land. Plano was later platted and incorporated in 1873. During that year, a mayor was elected as well as a board of aldermen. The public-school system would later be organized in 1891.
A Fire in Plano
In 1881, a large fire in the business district destroyed the original buildings that were constructed with the production of the Houston and Texas Central railway. Fifty-two buildings made up the business district and all were destroyed. This caused Plano to become a temporary tent city, but the businessmen of Plano were determined to reconstruct the town. Old burned and wooden structures were replaced with modern brick buildings and things were finally looking up. Buildings and business flourished in the 1880’s. Plano became a retail outlet when the when the St. Louis, Arkansas and Texas Railway Company intersected the Houston and Texas Central. By 1890, the town had a population of 1,200, two railroads, six churches, two steam gristmill-cotton gins, three schools, and two newspapers.
Plano Now
Now, Plano is more successful than ever with a population of over 280,000. According to the Plano Chamber, Plano is home to many leading global corporations including several Fortune 1,000 companies and more than 10,000 businesses. In fact, Plano was ranked #5 for Best Performing City in 2019 by the Milken Institute.
Your friends here at Eagle Roofing and Construction hope you enjoyed those fun facts about the history of Plano!