Van Alstyne, Texas

The home of Coldwell Bankers Residential - Benton-Lutrell Realtors^®, Van Alstyne is a city in Collin and Grayson Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 2,502 at the 2000 census. The Grayson County portion of Van Alstyne is part of the Sherman-Denison Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the Collin County portion is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The small town atmosphere is steeped with a rich, pioneer history and it also has the conveniences of shopping, major league sporting events, fine arts, and world class medical facilities, all quickly accessible from Van Alstyne. Lake Texoma, Lake Ray Roberts, and Lake Lavon are all within 30 miles of the community and Hurricane Creek Country Club offers a beautiful IS-hole golf course and other country club activities.

History

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By the time Grayson and Collin Counties were established by the State of Texas' first legislature in 1846, several influential families had already made their homes in the area that would become Van Alstyne. ].W. Throckmorton, who would become governor of Texas, and Collin McKinney, signer of Texas' Declaration of Independence from Mexico in 1836, and their families were busy founding new communities on this rich blackland prairie.

Indeed, Collin County had been named in honor of Texas patriot Collin McKinney and when the county seat, McKinney, was established in 1848, it also bore his name.

Grayson and its county seat, Sherman, were the namesakes of Republic of Texas leaders, Peter W. Grayson and Sidney Sherman.

The area's early settlers, some from the Peter's Colony, organized churches, schools, social organizations and businesses that would become the nucleus for the new town of Mantua. Founded in 1854, Mantua continued to grow and thrive until the railroad bypassed it in 1873.

The Houston and Texas Central Railway purchased land three miles northeast, in Grayson County, from the orphaned great-grandson of Collin McKinney, for $20 per acre. The new depot town was named in honor of Maria Van Alstyne, widow of W. A. Van Alstyne of Houston, who had been a major stockholder in the railway.

Most of the population of Mantua moved to Van Alstyne and in just a few years, it became a vital city springing from the prairie. Van Alstyne boasted doctors, drug stores, grocery and dry goods stores, hardware and furniture stores, livery stables, hotels, two newspapers and two banks.

In 1890, Columbia College was established and instructed as many as 578 pupils in the subjects of mythology, languages and elocution. Local grocer, C. E. Carter, built an ornately decorated opera house that offered community entertainment such as Chautauquas and stereopticon exhibitions.

With Van Alstyne's location on the railroad, the city supported vast and prosperous agricultural enterprises. Several gins operated in Van Alstyne and by 1901 when the Van Alstyne Cotton Oil Company was opened, cotton was "King".

Interurban service through electric railways began in 1908 and served the community until the last car stopped at the Van Alstyne station forty years later.

Saturday nights in Van Alstyne brought hundreds of people to walk around the square. Families would come to shop, eat, get a haircut and just visit. By the time the midnight show at the Aztec Theater ended, it was time to say farewell, while looking forward to doing it all again the next Saturday night.

And on Sunday afternoons, there was not a better place to be a baseball fan than in Van Alstyne. The Grays were many times league champions and an appreciative town built a 600-seat ballpark for their team in 1936.

Today the city of Van Alstyne uses to advantage its impressive and illustrious past. The Van Alstyne Historical Museum houses artifacts of the 150 years of local history. Van Alstyne has participated in the Main Street Program of the Texas Historical Commission since 1991, and fifteen area Texas Historical Markers note its colorful past.

With a population of over 2,000, Van Alstyne numbers 11 churches 95, businesses, a library and several social organizations. Many of these entities date to the days of old Mantua.

The city of Van Alstyne was born of the railroad and survived through tenacity and the progressive spirit of its early pioneers. That same spirit, whether in newcomer or hometown folk, prevails in the community today.

Even though the community is preparing for the 21st Century through business development and modern amenities, the Van Alstyne community keeps the peaceful, superior quality of life that a small town affords. Van Alstyne offers a diverse population of ranchers, farmers, writers, artists, inventors, journeymen, and families whose roots date back to the early 19th century.

Geography

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Van Alstyne is located 45 miles north of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex on Highway 75 and is only 15 miles from both McKinney and Sherman. Van Alstyne is located in Grayson County at 33º25′26″N, 96º34′43″W (33.423911, -96.578730). The elevation is 784 feet. Grayson County is in the Central time zone (GMT -6).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.4 square miles (8.8 km²), all of it land.

Cityscape

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PILOT GROVE (FM 121 Between Van Alstyne and Whitewright) Founded in early 18505. On Bonham-McKinney stage line called Lick Skillet; renamed 1858 for J. P. Dumas' ranch. Site of Lee Peacock feud 1865-1871, between ex-Confederate Capt. Bob Lee with his gold, and union supporter, Lewis Peacock. Although Lee was killed in 1865, his followers carried on the fight until Peacock was shot.

OLD TOWN OF CANNON (Cannon) Founded in 1852 by Elijah Cannon, who came from South Carolina with his children and slaves, to develop 700 acres of land. Family established a church, cotton gin, gristmill, and wagon factory. By 1885 town had an academy and 400 people. Bypassed by the Houston and Texas Railroad, it declined rapidly in the 1890s.

DUMAS CEMETERY (Cannon, If, mi. S. off FM 121 on Wolf Dr.) James P. Dumas, (1820-1875). Born in South Carolina. In 1841 married May Thompson and moved to the Republic of Texas. In his capacity as surveyor, he helped map land that became a section of Dallas. Moved from Collin to Grayson County just before Texas joined the Union. Fought in the Mexican War, 1846. Was appointed surveyor for Grayson County. Later came to own famous "Sister Grove" farm. So extensive was his land that he could ride from his home to Sherman (about 20 miles) without ever leaving his property. He helped found Merchants & Planters Bank in Sherman, 1872.

YOUNGER SCOTT McKINNEY HOME (EM. 3133,4 miles east of Van Alstyne) Collin McKinney, a prominent early Texas Statesman, originally owned the land surrounding this house. In 1857 McKinney deeded the acreage to his son Younger Scott (1819-1907), who was born in Kentucky but grew up in Red River County. When Younger Scott McKinney moved to his property in Grayson County, he built this home for his wife Sarah (Janes) and their six children. In addition to being a farmer and an ordained Methodist Episcopal minister, McKinney served as Grayson County surveyor in 1852-53. The land remained in the family until 1928.

VAN ALSTYNE (Fielder Park, Van Alstyne) The town of Mantua was established about 3 miles southwest of here in 1854. Mantua prospered but was unexpectedly bypassed in 1873 when the Houston and Texas Central Railway (H & TC) extended its track through this area instead. That year a depot was built and a post office was established in the new town named for Maria Van Alstyne, the widow of W. A. Van Alstyne who had been a principal stockholder of the H & TC. Churches, businesses, and people of Mantua and other area towns moved here to be near the railroad. Van Alstyne was incorporated and a newspaper established in 1883. Columbia College was founded in 1889. Van Alstyne contained banks, schools, hotels, an opera house, a literary club, and electric service by 1900, when cotton and other farm production dominated the local economy. Interurban transportation began in 1908. The local "Grays" semipro baseball team, established about 1902, played for many decades and produced a number of major league players. Many local businesses, churches and social organizations trace their origins to Mantua and 19th century Van Alstyne. The historic downtown area, the former site of popular Saturday night social activities, continues as a business and social center. (1994)

COLLIN McKINNEY (Van Alstyne Cemetery) Collin McKinney (April 17, 1766-September 8,1861). A pioneer leader of North Texas and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Collin McKinney was born in New Jersey, a son of Scottish immigrant parents. In 1780 the family moved to Kentucky and in 1824 McKinney migrated across the Red River and settled near present Texarkana. In January 1836, he was elected a delegate to the General Convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos and there served on a committee of five that drafted Texas' Declaration of Independence from Mexico. On March 2, he signed the document. He also served on the committee, which prepared the Constitution for the Republic of Texas. Later he served in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Congress of the Republic. In private life, McKinney was leader in establishing the First Disciples of Christ Church in Texas. In 1846 he settled near the Grayson-Collin county line; this became his permanent residence. In 1792 he married Amy Moore; they had four children. He and his second wife Betsy Leake (Coleman), by whom he had six children, are both buried in this cemetery. Collin County and its seat, McKinney, were named in his honor. In 1936 Texas Centennial Commission had his house moved to Finch Park in McKinney.

Forrest W. Moore Park, located at 1937 S. Waco, features baseball & softball fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball, basketball court, walking trail, playground, and picnic areas.

Wilson McKinney Park, located at FM 121 E. & Park St. features baseball fields, playground, and gazebo.

North Park, located at 1000 block of N. Waco, features playground, tennis courts, and picnic area.

Dorothy Fielder Park, located at 200 block of E. Jefferson, features a gazebo.

PILOT GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH (Pilot Grove)

CANNON CEMETERY (Cannon)

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (Van Alstyne)

MANTUA MASONIC LODGE NO. Z09, A.F. & A.M. (201 N Waco, Van Alstyne)

UMPHRESS-TAYLOR HOME (109 E. Paris, Van Alstyne) lZ. BARRON-VEAZEY HOUSE (104 Umphress, Van Alstyne)

SITE OF CAMPUS OF OLD COLUMBIA COLLEGE (203 S. College, Van Alstyne)

ELLIOTT CEMETERY (FM 121,6 min.W. of Van Alstyne)

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Van Alstyne) Oldest Christian Church in Texas

Culture

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Van Alstyne Historical Museum, located at 214 E. Jefferson, is open Tuesday & Thursday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 - 2:00 PM, with special tours available by appointment.

CHRISTMAS PARADE -This Christmas event includes a parade with floats from our local businesses, scout troops and church groups (the competition is spirited!) and a special holiday "guest".

COUNTRY FAIR -Van Alstyne's Annual Street Fair is held downtown in May. It's a fun filled day with a Per and Bicycle Parade, crafts, music, contests and entertainment. Much anticipated in the community, this fundraiser is organized for the benefit of the Van Alstyne Main Street project.

FALL FESTIVAL -Our longest running event! This school fundraiser has been held consecutively for over 50 years! The downtown streets are closed for this October Carnival. The entire community joins together to raise money for our local school. All grades participate with game booths, food, hayrides and talent shows. A really special night, not to be missed.

FALL ROUNDUP AND PLAYDAY -Held in September, this Chamber of Commerce western event is kicked off with a pancake breakfast and a downtown parade. These are followed by a play day on horseback for all ages, with great prizes donated by Mustang Manufacturing Corp. A ranch rodeo completes the day, with local and area ranch teams competing against each other.

Economy

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At the time of the 2000 census, the per capita income in Van Alstyne was $17,024, compared with $21,587 nationally.

The Van Alstyne Economic Development Corporation is a 4-A corporation that economically promotes businesses and development in the area.

The Van Alstyne Community Development Corporation is a 4-B corporation funded through the City of Van Alstyne and assist the community with aid to parks, senior centers, etc.

Law & Government

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Van Alstyne City Hall (903) 482-5426
Van Alstyne Fire Dept (903) 482-6666
Van Alstyne Police Dept (903) 482-5251

Demographics

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As of the census of 2000, there were 2,502 people, 935 households, and 699 families residing in the city. The population density was 733.5 people per square mile (283.3/km²). There were 1,005 housing units at an average density of 294.6/sq mi (113.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.41% White, 3.60% African American, 1.00% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 3.40% from other races, and 1.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.79% of the population.

There were 935 households out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.7% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.2% were non-families. 22.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the city the population was spread out with 27.4% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 96.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,375, and the median income for a family was $45,188. Males had a median income of $36,176 versus $22,063 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,024. About 8.3% of families and 9.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education

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Van Alstyne Independent

School District

Education and Community Spirit, Our Most Valuable Resource

Van Alstyne Independent School District is fully accredited by TEA and is governed by a seven member board of trustees. The district is composed of three campuses housing over 1,000 students. The elementary campus is made up of pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. The middle school houses 6-8 grades and the high school has grades 9-12.

The district presently maintains an excellent student/teacher ratio of 13-1. The area is fortunate to have supportive parents who participate in district activities through parent/teacher organizations and booster clubs for athletics, band and vocational programs.

Van Alstyne ISD has a varied curriculum at all campuses with programs for the gifted and talented and for those students with special needs. An award winning vocational program is available at the high school campus. Approximately 15 honors courses are available to students in high school. Special programs include Saxon Phonics, Michael Eaton Math, and a comprehensive computer-assisted instruction at the elementary level, Spanish at levels 7-12, and Latin at the high school level. The district offers band, art, music and a variety of sports for both boys and girls. Networked computer labs are on each campus. The VAISD is recognized for academic excellence and is ranked in the top 5% of Texas high schools. The district is extremely proud of the accomplishments of its students on the state and national level. Yearly, students excel in academic University Interscholastic League competition on the District, Regional, State and National levels with participation in events such as science, journalism and Latin. Each year graduates are not only accepted to, but have also received academic scholarships from prestigious institutions.

Van Alstyne's football, track, volleyball, softball, and baseball teams have been state ranked, winning numerous district championships and participating in post-season play.

Van Alstyne is extremely proud of its long history of outstanding accomplishments in academics and athletics.

In addition, Grayson County College operates a branch campus in Van Alstyne, recently relocated to a new facility on the southwest corner of U.S. Highway 75 and Texas Farm to Market Road 121.

Infrastructure

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