Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 2, 2007

Texas Independence Day: The Collin County connection

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Texas Independence Day always carries a special meaning in this corner of North Texas, since the surveyor, merchant and lay preacher for which Collin County is named had a hand in drafting the Texas Declaration of Independence at Washington-on-the-Brazos 171 years ago today.

Collin McKinney’s contribution to the creation of Texas is not forgotten. He was the oldest of 59 delegates to the Convention of 1836, and was given the pen used in the signing of the Declaration of independence.

“Collin McKinney’s contribution to Texas Independence helped define a pioneering spirit of Texans in 1836 that continues to this very day,” says Collin County Judge Keith Self. “Just weeks short of turning 70, he never hesitated to take such an important stand for freedom. I want to keep alive the memory of his accomplishments in the phrase ‘Pioneering Excellence’ in Collin County.”

Just four days later, The Alamo fell to Santa Anna’s army after a 13-day siege with all of its 180 defenders killed in the final assault. The battle became a rallying cry that spurred Texans to defeat Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.

“We can never forget the sacrifice that so many made for freedom so long ago,” said Judge Self, himself a fifth-generation Texan. “Their sacrifice remains a strong beacon for us to follow today.”

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