Corsicana in Navarro County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Rev. Hampton McKinney
First Permanent Settler of Corsicana
Photographed by James Hulse, August 23, 2026
1. Rev. Hampton McKinney Marker
Rev. Hampton McKinney (17961857), a Methodist preacher from Illinois came to Navarro County in 1846 first settling in the Dresden community. While on a return trip to Dresden from a religious camp meeting in the Bazette community, Rev. McKinney and family passed through the area where Corsicana would later be located. Being so charmed with this beautiful part of the country he decided to locate his certificate on this land and make it the familys permanent home.
He purchased a one room cabin and moved it onto land where the R.Q. Mills home now stands. When McKinneys land was chosen as the site for the county seat of the newly formed Navarro County, he lifted his certificate so that the town of Corsicana could be laid out.
Rev. McKinney and family moved to a dogtrot style cabin on the northside of the courthouse square. Later he built the first boarding house in town on the square known as the McKinney Tavern. The McKinney Tavern served as the temporary home to many of Corsicanas early notables.
Erected 2014 by Navarro County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these
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Location. 32° 5.866′ N, 96° 28.435′ W. Marker is in Corsicana, Texas, in Navarro County. It is on North 15th Street north of W Park Ave, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 655 N 15th St, Corsicana TX 75110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. It is also in the American South. 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, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: David Reed Mitchell (a few steps from this marker); Colonel Clinton McKamey Winkler (a few steps from this marker); George Washington Shelton (within shouting distance of this marker); Navarro County World War Memorial (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Orville Lefty Frizzell
Photographed by James Hulse, August 23, 2026
2. Rev. Hampton McKinney Marker
Rev. Hampton McKinney Gravestone
Photographed by James Hulse, August 23, 2026
3. Rev. Hampton McKinney Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
