Collin County Farm

The farm's burial ground says more than the marker does. Joy Gough's survey of Collin County cemeteries describes about three acres of grass with yellow plastic posts set in a row to warn mowers of hazards, and notes that not every post marks a grave. She found one survey listing twelve graves and no register of burials, and suggested court records might hold one. She adds that prisoners who died in the old county jail were also buried here. The cemetery lies about half a mile south of the marker, and a scout troop cleaned it in 1994.

What the plaque says

Collin County Farm As early as 1858 Collin County had a system for providing relief to its indigent citizens. This property was acquired in 1886 and became known as the County Farm. Structures were built over the years to house the residents, who helped maintain the farm. In the 1920s the authorities began housing county prisoners here in special guarded facilities. Also located on the farm was a paupers' cemetery, which is still maintained by the county. The Collin County Farm ceased operations in the 1950s. (1988)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary — 3.3 mi
  A 289-acre sanctuary in McKinney that Bessie Heard founded at the age of 80, with five habitats, a 50-acre wetland and 6.5 miles of trails.
• Rockwall County Historical Foundation & Museum — 22 mi
  A small museum in Harry Myers Park that keeps the evidence on Rockwall's rock wall, sandstone dikes that geologists call natural and folk tales call built.

More markers nearby

• First Christian Church of McKinney — 1.9 mi
• Bradley Cemetery — 2.3 mi
• Site of Buckner — 2.4 mi
• First Presbyterian Church of McKinney — 2.4 mi