Parker in Collin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Parker Cotton Gin
Photographed by James Hulse, September 2, 2026
1. Parker Cotton Gin Marker
Settlement in Collin County grew substantially from 1840-1860, and although citizens were mostly farmers, the majority of farms were small, and cotton harvest was of little significance. There was little incentive for farmers to plant cotton since there was a lack of transportation to take the crop to market. This changed with the coming of the railroad in the late 1880’s.
Cotton gins were the major industry tied to the farming community in the county, and it was no different in Parker, Texas. William C. Parker, namesake of the community, was farmer and successful businessman who owned a gristmill and cotton gin. The cotton gin was first operated by mule power and later by steam engine fueled by wood and coal.
Wagons transported cotton to the gin where the wagon was weighed and cotton extracted from the wagon through a tube and then brought to a burr machine. Next, it was sent to separators that removed the seeds from the fiber. The seeds were either used for pressing oil or for planting. Cotton fibers were sent to be pressed into 500 pound bales. Empty wagons were again weighed to calculate the exact amount of ginned
this page online
After World War II farmers began to move to cities to work and cotton production declined. The gin in Parker fell silent. Today all that remains of the Parker gin is part of the original foundation.
Erected 2016 by Collin County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 33° 3.283′ N, 96° 37.24′ W. Marker is in Parker, Texas, in Collin County. It is at the intersection of East Parker Road and McMenamy Ln, on the right when traveling east on East Parker Road. The marker is located on the grounds of the Parker City Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5708 E Parker Rd, Allen TX 75002, 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,
Photographed by James Hulse, September 2, 2026
2. Parker Cotton Gin Marker
The marker is located next to last piece of the mill.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Welcome to the Preserve (within shouting distance of this marker); William C. Parker (within shouting distance of this marker); T.L. Johnson Store (within shouting distance of this marker); 1st Lt. Charles P. Moses, U.S. Army (within shouting distance of this marker); Corinth Presbyterian Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Comfort Allen and Lydia McMillen Farm (approx. 1˝ miles away); First Baptist Church of Murphy (approx. 1.8 miles away); McMillen Cemetery (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Parker.
Photographed by James Hulse, September 2, 2026
3. Parker Cotton Gin Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 4, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
