Buckner Site History

John “Jack” McGarrah was a pioneer and colonist of the Republic of Texas. Upon his arrival to the Republic of Texas in 1842, McGarrah settled in the Peters Colony of Fannin County (in what would become Collin County). His family soon followed, joining him in Texas in 1844. McGarrah was appointed county Commissioner, a lieutenant in the Frontier Rangers, a trade post and post office operator, prospector, and trader. Although the original site was a handful of log cabins and a blacksmith shop near a large spring, McGarrah soon donated 15 acres of his land, and it was drawn up on a plat with divided town lots and a public square.  He named the settlement ‘Buckner,’ and it became the first county seat of Collin County. Although not technically a 'fort', the small waypoint was certainly important in 1840's Collin County as it did serve as a place of safety during uncertain times, was on the intersection of two stage roads, and it served as a place of cultural trade and communication.  It was one of a handful of early settlements in Collin County. Buckner was short-lived as the county seat, which was moved to present day McKinney. Before his death, John 'Jack' McGarrah purchased interest in surrounding headrights. After his death, his headright was deeded to his Widow and heirs, and the settlement and surrounding properties remained in McGarrah's extended family for decades.  The only visible remnants of the Buckner townsite include the cemetery, old fence posts, and various artifacts found on the site.