Plano: An Historic Walking Tour

By Nancy McCulloch

The history of Plano, Texas is as rich as the soil that attracted early settlers to the area in the mid to late 1800s. Vividly portrayed here in over 200 images, author Nancy McCulloch recreates for the reader the remarkable history of this forward-thinking town. A large number of residents from Kentucky and Tennessee were attracted to the rich black soil and farming prospects of this part of Peters Colony. Sam Houston, as a former governor of Tennessee, enticed families from these states to travel to the Plano area and seek out a new and better way of life. From 1870 to 1886, Plano's population expanded tenfold. As early as the late 1800s the community developed a reputation for progressive thinking and beautiful homes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
• Release date: Sep 18, 2012
• ISBN: 9781439627921

Nancy McCulloch

Covering the area surrounding historic downtown Plano as well as some outlying sites, Nancy McCulloch takes the reader on a fascinating walking tour of this historic city and tells the stories of many of its original settlers in detailed captions. Ms. McCulloch is currently serving a second term on Plano�s Heritage Preservation Commission and holds a deep appreciation and interest for the preservation of historic sites and heritage.

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SITES AROUND HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

#1 W.J. CARPENTER HOUSE. W.J. Carpenter, a prominent, successful farmer in Plano, bought this house a few years after its construction in the late 1800s. It was a working farm in the city. The family lived at this farm during the school year in order for the Carpenter’s four sons to live near the school.

THE CARPENTER’S MAIN FARMHOUSE. During the summer, the family lived at the main farm located between present-day Custer and Independence Roads, near Spring Creek Parkway. (Courtesy of the Frances Wells Collection.)

THE W.J. CARPENTER HOUSE IN 1906. The farm in town consisted of 2.5 to 3 acres. The pasture extended to where Collin Creek Mall stands today. Mrs. Carpenter ran a dairy from the farm that was very well known in the area. The original farm buildings still stand on the property today. (Courtesy of the Frances Wells Collection.)

THE OLD SCHOOL OUTHOUSE. The outhouse from the nearby Plano School was relocated to the property when the school built indoor plumbing facilities. The Carpenter family used the building as both a chicken coop and storage area. Four doors still exist on the old school outhouse—one door each for boys, girls, men, and women.