McKinney in Collin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Ben, Orene, and Carolyn Pitts Home
Thomas Jefferson McDonald Log Cabin
Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2026
1. Ben, Orene, and Carolyn Pitts Home Thomas - Jefferson McDonald Log Cabin Marker
According to the late Collin County Historian, Capt. Roy F. Hall, the two-room log cabin that once belonged to Republic of Texas colonist Thomas Jefferson McDonald is contained (in whole or in part) in the cottage behind this marker underneath two layers of siding. McDonald immigrated with his wife, H.M., from Missouri in early 1844 to become a part of the Peters Colony. Thus, this cabin predates the creation of Collin County, McKinney, and the state of Texas.
In latter 1844, Indians (either Kiowas or Commanches) raided the log cabin while the McDonalds were visiting friends about six miles away on Honey Creek. Entering the cabin and wrecking the contents, the pillagers ripped open several feather mattresses and pillows, scattering feathers far and wide. They killed McDonalds pigs and chickens, but left the cabins structure intact. This incident was one of the last Indian raids in what would be later named Collin County.
In 1916, James M. Pitts purchased a tract of the T.J. McDonald survey. In 1933, James Pitts son, Ben Pitts, and his wife, Orene Craft Pitts, moved into the old log cabin which had been remodeled by that time. Ben later purchased this site, which adjoined his other land holdings. Over their marriage, Ben and Orene added modern conveniences and extra rooms to form a comfortable six-room cottage in which to raise their only child, Carolyn. Ben and Orene Pitts lived here all their married life until their respective deathsBen in 1967 and Orene in 1996.
Erected by Collin County.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.
Location. 33° 14.229′ N, 96° 38.118′ W. Marker is in McKinney, Texas, in Collin County. It is on James Pitts Drive (County Road 201) 0.2 miles south of Community Ave, on
this page online
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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: McLarry Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); Site of Wilmeth-McKinney Homestead (approx. 1½ miles away); McKinney (approx. 1½ miles away); First Presbyterian Church of McKinney (approx. 1.9 miles away); Site of Muse Academy (approx. 2 miles away); Ambush at McKinney (approx. 2.1 miles away); Site of Buckner (approx. 2.3 miles away); Buckner Cemetery (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in McKinney.
Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2026
2. Ben, Orene, and Carolyn Pitts Home Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2026
3. Ben, Orene, and Carolyn Pitts Home Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2026
4. Ben, Orene, and Carolyn Pitts Home Marker
The original log cabin is located within the walls of the newer house in the background. The newer house is partially hidden by overgrown bushes.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 2, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
