A Walking Tour of McKinney's Saloon History
People began settling in the McKinney area around 1842 mainly to raise livestock and crops. By 1848 McKinney had incorporated as a town and was designated as the County Seat for Collin County. As the downtown square became a hub for purchasing goods and services---saloons were welcoming customers from all over the area. At one time there were 23 saloons in McKinney---mainly on the east side. Saloons were a part of the community---offering a place for meetings and even holding elections. Saloon owners were outstanding citizens---including Todd Warden, the marshal! On this tour we will share with you some of the stories that are associated with these saloons.
A huge thank you to McKinney resident Steve Powell for providing the narration to this tour.
Thank you for taking the Saloons tour of the Historic McKinney Square. For more information on McKinney’s history, please visit Helen Gibbard Hall Genealogy and Local History Center located in the Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library.