Plano's Legacy

Settlers from Kentucky and Tennessee arrived in Collin County in 1841 to find a vast, rich blackland prairie on which they set about raising livestock and growing crops. Indian attacks and the outbreak of the Civil War kept growth to a slow pace, but the pioneers persevered.

Dr. Henry Dye, Plano’s first medical doctor, mistakenly believed “plano” to be the Spanish word for “plain” and suggested it as the town’s name. As it indeed seemed an accurate description of the surrounding terrain, it was approved by postal authorities as the town’s official name in 1851.

Completion of the Houston and Texas Railroad in 1872, with Plano as the southernmost depot in Collin County, paved the way for fast and steady growth. In 1873 the city of Plano was incorporated and elected a mayor, five aldermen and a constable. Churches, schools and businesses were built. Devastating fires in 1881 and 1895 resulted in construction of modern brick buildings to replace burned-out wooden structures, and Plano welcomed the new century as a small but thriving farming and ranching community with a population of 1,304.

By the 1950s, Plano was becoming known as an ideal community in which to raise a family. This, coupled with the 1958 completion of North Central Expressway through Plano to McKinney and with the growth of Dallas to the south, a population boom changed the face of the city.

The city wisely prepared for a rapid influx of citizens, approving a master plan for development. By the 1970s, because of the quality of residential development and the growing reputation of its schools, Plano was one of the fastest growing cities in the country with a population of 17,600.

With Plano General Hospital, now Medical Center of Plano, opening its doors in 1975 and Collin Creek Mall opening not long after, numerous businesses and retailers began looking to Plano. By the end of that decade, EDS had locked in plans to build their new business complex in northwest Plano. This spurred the growth of the Legacy Business Park, which is now home to such corporate giants as JCPenney, Dr Pepper/Seven-Up, Frito-Lay, and Countrywide Home Loans.

Today, Plano’s population of 255,700, approaches build-out and undeveloped land becomes scarce. Redevelopment has begun, most notably in the downtown area where new apartments, condominiums and retail establishments, as well as the DART light rail station, offer urban living Plano-style.

Today, Plano is considered to be one of the nation’s best locations for businesses as well as families. Superior schools, sound municipal government, and a thriving economy have earned the city numerous accolades, including the National Civic League’s prestigious All-America City award.

From a tiny farming town to a vibrant and diverse city, Plano has definitely come a long way. A rich history and dynamic present allows the city to look ahead with confidence. Come discover your future here.