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

James Waller Thomas House

Photographed by Jesse Nelsen, March 2, 2021

1. James Waller Thomas House Marker

Inscription.

This vernacular style house was built c. 1868 by James Waller Thomas, an early civic leader in Collin County, for his family of 13. Originally a one-room residence, the house has not been substantially modified since 1902. It reflects the modest homes built by early settlers of north Texas with materials and techniques available prior to the arrival of rail service. Original elements include the flooring, brick chimney, and rough-hewn timber foundation and roof decking. This is also the site of an attempt on Thomas’ life by an unknown person, likely due to his role as editor and publisher of the county’s first newspaper wherein he expressed support for the Union and the rights of Black settlers - opinions unpopular with some during the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 2011

Erected 2011 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16788.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location. 33° 11.732′ N, 96° 37.098′ W. Marker is in McKinney, Texas, in Collin County.

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It is on South Benge Street north of Henry Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: McKinney TX 75069, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker 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: Collin County Prison (approx. 0.2 miles away); Law Office of James W. Throckmorton (approx. 0.2 miles away); L. A. Scott Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); 1927 Collin County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Martin House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Collin County (approx. 0.2 miles away); Crouch-Perkins House (approx. 0.2 miles away); E.A. Newsome House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in McKinney.

James Waller Thomas House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jesse Nelsen, March 2, 2021

2. James Waller Thomas House and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 9, 2021, by Jesse Nelsen of Farmersville, Texas. This page has been viewed 760 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 9, 2021, by Jesse Nelsen of Farmersville, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.