Old Settlers' Park

Site of all Collin County Fairs and Ex-Confederate - Old Settlers picnics, this land first housed a fair in 1858. The fair was held each year, usually in autumn, except during the Civil War years. In 1883, the Ex-Confederate-Old Settlers Picnic Association began to hold their annual picnic across the street from "the old fair grounds." They continued to meet on this site, buying the land for themselves in 1912 and 1924. The County Fair was a showcase for agriculture, livestock, handicrafts, and culinary delights. Riding competitions were held in the grandstand; it is said that Frank James once won first prize. As many as 15,000 people a day visited the picnics in the 1910s and 1920s, many camping around the park. Political speakers were scheduled all day, and contests included three-legged races and storytelling. In early years there were balloon ascensions; later, an air show astonished the crowds. Like the fair, the picnic featured a midway of rides and games. The last picnic was held in 1941, when the last Confederate veterans in Collin County were too old to attend. The last County Fair was held in 1965, but the park continues to serve the community as a part of the McKinney Parks and Recreation Department. (1997)

Old Settlers' Park is a historical marker in McKinney, Collin County, dedicated in 1997. It is one of 186 historical markers documented in Collin County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 319 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.1969, -96.6037 near McKinney. The nearest cataloged historic site is Site of Elm Saloon (historical marker), about 0.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include 1911 McKinney Post Office, Faires--Bell House, and Taylor House.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507014724. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.