McKinney in Collin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Site of Muse Academy

Photographed by Gary Estep, December 9, 2025

1. Site of Muse Academy Marker

Inscription.

A native of Virginia, James S. Muse (1804-1878) prospered as a hemp grower in Missouri before coming to Texas with his wife Margaret Slaughter. He bought 320 acres and built this house in 1858-1859. In one wing which was later removed, he opened Muse Academy, also known as Mount Pleasant High School. A lay preacher in the Christian church, he was also a Greek and Latin scholar. Other instructors, including his daughters, were added as the school grew. Many children of prominent pioneer families in north Texas attended. The school closed in 1871.

Erected 1978 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 6188.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 33° 12.517′ N, 96° 37.556′ W. Marker is in McKinney, Texas, in Collin County. It is on North Waddill Street north of West Erwin Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1306 N Waddill Street, McKinney TX 75069, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker

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is in the Prairies & Lakes Region

and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Estes House (approx. 0.4 miles away); James Calvin Rhea House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Davis House (approx. half a mile away); First Presbyterian Church of McKinney (approx. half a mile away); Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); John S. and Rachel W. Heard House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fox-Caldwell House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Charles P. and Sallie G. Heard Home (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in McKinney.

Photographed by Jesse Nelsen, December 22, 2020

2. Site of Muse Academy Marker

Photographed by Jesse Nelsen, December 22, 2020

3. Site of Muse Academy Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2020, by Jesse Nelsen of Farmersville, Texas. This page has been viewed 842 times since then and 37 times this year. Last updated on December 28, 2020, by Jesse Nelsen of Farmersville, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on December 16, 2025, by Gary Estep of Anna, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on December 26, 2020, by Jesse Nelsen of Farmersville, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.