3 Best Landmarks in McKinney, TX

“Chestnut Square Historic Village has a collection of six historic homes, a replica of a one-room schoolhouse, a chapel, and a store on 2.5 acres just south of downtown McKinney square. The site also includes a blacksmith shop, a smokehouse, a reception house, and reception gardens. The buildings include period artifacts showing how people lived in Collin County from 1854 to 1940. The Heritage Guild of Collin County oversees Chestnut Square Historic Village. The site's aim to preserve history, educate the community, and inspire the future is accomplished by providing educational programs, tours, special events, and a picturesque venue for weddings, meetings, and social gatherings of all kinds. Chestnut Square hosts community events that bring people together to celebrate their heritage.”

“The Collin County Courthouse was originally part of Jack McGarrah's general store in Buckner. The place opened in 1846 when Collin County was created. When the county seat was changed to McKinney in 1848, a log structure was built on McKinney Square. William Davis donated land from his survey for a town and a public square for a courthouse. The place was replaced in 1852 with a two-story, wood-frame structure. In 1979, a new courthouse was built a couple of blocks southeast of the square. The Collin County Courthouse was six stories high and modern in design. The county office is dedicated to focusing on judicial, human services, law enforcement and jail services. An additional administration building was built west of it, called the Hatchell Building, after former County Commissioner Jack Hatchell.”

“John and Judy Gay Public Library strive to offer something for everyone. The library features a play area for kids as well as study areas, computers, and quiet spaces. The library offers eBooks and eAudiobooks checked out for three weeks. The library provides early childhood classes, Wi-Fi access, teen book lists, ESL classes, and more. Their meeting rooms are intended for discussion groups, panels, lectures, and meetings. John and Judy Gay Public Library is a public facility, and all programs are free to the public. A big part of their service is offering programs for patrons of all ages that align with the library's mission. They develop programs they know the public likes and wants to attend, and they look ahead to the future to offer programs on new topics.”