Prohibition

Saloons and drinking were controversial in McKinney. As early as 1887, citizens began voicing their dislike of both. Prohibition speeches were delivered on the Courthouse steps. Opinion statements from both sides were published in the newspapers. In 1902, the county decided to put it to a vote. On March 8th, Collin County citizens voted 4,690 to 2,736 in favor of prohibition, according to the Weekly Democrat. All thirteen saloons in McKinney were closed. It took some time for the Square to redefine itself and become what it is today.