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 blackland prairie. Throughout much of this century Plano relied on surrounding farms and ranches for its livelihood. By 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. 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.

Today Plano looks and 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.