Page 21 - Plano, TX Heritage Preservation Plan

CHAPTER 3:
THE PLANO STORY

OVERVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT ERAS AND THEMES

Plano’s Native Landscape (ca. 11,000 B.C. - 1840)
First inhabited by Native American tribes, the Plano area would eventually be claimed by Spain, France, Mexico, and the Republic of
Texas. The Peters Colony was established to attract settlers to North Texas.
Plano’s Early Years (1840 - 1872)
The community of Plano emerges as the first pioneer settlers arrive to establish farms, businesses, and institutions. This era ends with
the arrival of the H&TC Railroad.
Downtown Plano Emerges (1872 - 1895)
With the arrival of the railroads, Plano transitions to a center for business and agricultural commerce. The era ends with the last great
fire that destroys most of Downtown.
Plano Persists (1895- 1920)
Rebuilding from the fire, Plano begins to modernize with improvements such as electricity, gas, water, sidewalks, public schools,
paved roads, and the interurban railroad.
Small Town Plano (1920 - 1958)
Development was slow through the Great Depression, but growth would come following World War II and rapidly increase with the
opening of Central Expressway (US 75).
Plano Welcomes Growth (1958 - 1985)
Rapid residential growth brings with it new shopping centers, offices, schools, and parks. Plano begins moving westward and takes
a primarily suburban form as farms are replaced with rooftops.
Corporate Plano (1985 - 2000)
In addition to continued suburban growth, large corporate office campuses locate on the city’s west side and the opening of the
Dallas North Tollway brings new growth and development.
Plano Today (2000 - 2018)
The days of rapid growth slow, but the DART rail brings renewed energy to Downtown and major activity centers, such as Legacy
Town Center and the Shops at Willow Bend, become popular.

Architecture THEMES
Historic houses, buildings, and architectural styles that are significant to Events in the timeline are divided into
Plano. seven (7) themes which are described to
the left. Each theme is identified using a
Downtown color so that themes can be read in the
Events and buildings that were specific to Downtown. context of a single development era or so
that one theme can be followed through
the whole timeline.
Growth & Development
Significant dates and events, including the population of Plano, as it
developed. ICONS & GRAPHICS
Icons and graphics are used throughout
Business the timeline to mark key events in the era.
Key businesses and companies that have contributed to the growth and Icons include symbols for historic fires
development of Plano. and other overall contextual happenings.
Graphics and photos are also used to
Douglass Community indicate critical points in Plano’s history.
The contributions and development of Plano’s African-American
community.
RESOURCES
Institutions Content in this timeline was compiled
Cemeteries, churches, schools and other institutional buildings that were using several resources, including the
vital to establishing Plano’s community. books Plano, Texas: The Early Years, Images
of America: Historic Downtown Plano,
Transportation and Infrastructure historic Wells Collection images, timeline
Major railroads, roadways, utilities, and other infrastructure that focus group input, and City of Plano staff.
influenced growth in Plano.
november 2018 CHapter 3: history of plano 21