Information about Plano, Texas
Historic Plano
The community of Plano originated in the early 1840's in the Republic of Texas. Most of the early pioneers migrated from Kentucky and Tennessee as small groups of settlers found their way to Collin County's black land prairie. Initial efforts to settle the area began in 1841, but progress was halted by Indian attacks until 1844 and again by the arrival of the Civil War (1861 – 1864).
After the Civil War the men began to return to Plano to pick up their run-down farms and persist again to open more business and trade to attract new people to the area. From that time until the 1960s Plano relied on surrounding farms and ranches for its livelihood. During the 1960s, the growth of both Dallas to the south and the success of several large high-technology firms began to make their influence felt on the local economy and city planners began making preparations for the growth they believed was inevitable. When the U.S. population began its historic shift in the 1970s, Plano welcomed newcomers with open arms and this resulted in Plano being one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas and the U.S.
Plano Today
Today Plano is much changed from the city of just a generation ago, but the growth of the city and the nature of its spirit can be traced back to those first settlers who came to the area 150 years ago.
Impressed by the meticulous planning and development of the city and the positive attitude of the local business community, many professionals and executives began moving to the city. As a result Plano is now home for the corporate headquarters of many internationally recognized companies such as JC Penny, Dr Pepper, Electronic Data Systems, Perot Systems, Frito Lay, and United Health Care. This in turn spurred growth of many related businesses and has created a strong economy with a healthy job market in Plano as well as surrounding communities.
This business growth spurred the need for all the services required by both the business community but the residents as well. As a result a full compliment of services has come to Plano to provide shopping, entertainment, personal and health care facilities.
Shopping venues range from large malls such as Collin Creek and The Shops at Willow Bend to trendy boutique centers like The Shops at Legacy. In short, Plano has a wide selection of shopping centers to choose from.
Entertainment comes in an assortment of offerings in Plano. From fast food including Chinese, Italian, Indian, Mexican, and Thai all the way to fine dining establishments such as III Forks (aka Three Forks), Bob's Steak & Chop House, Ruth's Chris for fine steaks or Maggiano’s for great Italian fare. And when you’re done there are cultural events such as the Plano Symphony concerts or sports venues including hockey, football, basketball and baseball teams in the communities adjacent to Plano
Health and Personal Care in Plano is excellent from the two major hospitals Plano Medical Center and Presbyterian Hospital of Plano both of which are used by a community of general practitioners as well as specialists of all types.