Want to Know More about Princeton, Texas

Princeton, Texas: From Humble Beginnings to a Modern Boomtown

Ever wonder about the story behind a town’s name? Sometimes it’s a famous historical figure, and sometimes, well, it’s just a guy named Prince. That’s the case for Princeton, Texas! This rapidly growing Collin County city has a history as rich as the Blackland Prairie soil it was built on. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into the fascinating story of Princeton.

It All Started with a Switch and a Man Named Prince

Back in the late 1870s, two brothers, T.B. and George Wilson, were farming the land that would become Princeton. When the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad came through in 1881, the area became a convenient stop, and folks started calling it “Wilson’s Switch.” It was a simple name that made sense.

But when the time came to set up a post office, the name “Wilson” was already taken. The community had to get creative. They decided to honor a local landowner and town promoter, Prince Dowlin. And just like that, “Wilson’s Switch” became Princeton. The post office was established in 1888, officially putting Princeton on the map.

The Rise of an Agricultural Hub

Nestled in the fertile Blackland Prairie, Princeton quickly grew into a bustling center for local farmers. The town provided everything they needed—mills for grains like wheat and corn, and even a lumber factory that became a major producer of bois d’arc lumber. Princeton even earned a reputation as a major onion-growing center, a heritage they still celebrate today with the annual Princeton Onion Festival.

A WWII Story You Won’t Believe

Here’s a unique chapter in Princeton’s history: During World War II, a camp originally built for migrant farm workers became a prisoner-of-war camp for German soldiers. From February to October 1945, these prisoners were contracted to local farmers for labor. But their work didn’t stop there. Under a special bill, they were also put to work on the City Park, a living memorial and shrine to those who served and died in the war. It’s a powerful and unexpected story that’s a testament to the town’s history.

The Modern Boom

After a steady period of growth spurred by the completion of Lake Lavon in the 1950s, Princeton has hit the accelerator. Today, it’s known as one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. It’s a place where old-school charm meets modern development, with new housing and businesses popping up all the time. But even with all the new energy, Princeton hasn’t forgotten its roots, and you can still find echoes of its past in the historic landmarks and community spirit.