Want To Know More about Celina, Texas?

Celina, Texas, located in northwestern Collin County, boasts a rich history intertwined with the development of the railroad and the resilience of its early settlers. The area was initially settled as early as 1876, with the town itself formally established in 1879, named by John T. Mulkey after his hometown of Celina, Tennessee. Early on, the community thrived on agriculture, primarily cotton and corn. A significant turning point came in 1902 when the St. Louis, San Francisco and Texas Railway laid tracks through the region. In a remarkable feat of determination, the entire town, including homes and businesses, was physically relocated about a mile north to its present site to be closer to the new railroad, earning Celina the nickname “Rollertown.”

The early 20th century saw further development, with enterprising individuals like J. Fred Smith contributing to the town’s infrastructure, creating what some consider the state’s first “shopping center” in 1911. Celina was incorporated in 1907 and even had the first road in Collin County built exclusively for automobiles, the Celina Pike, by 1915. Like many rural towns, Celina experienced a population decline during the Great Depression but began to grow steadily after World War II.

In recent decades, Celina has seen explosive growth, particularly due to its location within the rapidly expanding North Texas region and the extension of the Dallas North Tollway. This growth has transformed Celina from predominantly farmland into a thriving suburban community with a booming housing market. Despite this rapid development, the city actively works to preserve its historic character, with initiatives like the “Visionaries in Preservation” program and the restoration of downtown landmarks like the Celina Historic Square and the Celina Area Heritage Museum. The city’s current population is around 27,100, with a median household income of approximately $155,875, reflecting its appeal to new residents and businesses. Celina prides itself on maintaining a small-town feel while embracing modern amenities and continued growth.

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