About Prosper
About Prosper
Every place has its history, and the story of Prosper is no exception. Before the 1850s, the land in Western Collin County was sparsely populated, covered with prairie grasses and wildflowers. In 1859, the State of Texas appropriated much of this land for educational purposes. It wasn’t until the 1880s that the region was recognized for its agricultural value.
While the Prosper Post Office officially opened in 1902, the town’s roots stretch back much further. The community of Richland served as the postal hub from 1893 until 1902. During this time, Larkin A. Adamson, Richland’s postmaster, played a key role in establishing the Prosper Post Office, which was first led by B.J. Naugle.
The town is situated on Preston Ridge, a prominent escarpment that runs the length of Collin County. This ridge marks the divide between the Elm Fork and East Fork of the Trinity River watersheds. Prosper’s location is significant, as it is the highest point in Collin County, atop the original Higginbotham Farm.
The Early Roads and Settlements
In the 1830s, the Republic of Texas commissioned the construction of Preston Road, a vital route connecting Preston Bend (on the Red River) to Dallas. Following the path of Preston Ridge, the road was part of the Shawnee Trail, and it was designated as a state highway in 1926. In the 1850s, Collin County further developed its infrastructure by mandating that able-bodied men contribute three days of labor to road construction.
Another important road, the McKinney-Alton Road (now known as Rock Hill Road), was built during the same period. By 1936, U.S. Highway 380 (formerly State Highway 24) was constructed, running just north of this area.
The Settlement of Prosper
The area that would become Prosper was sparsely populated before the Civil War. Early settlers included the Jeremiah Horn family, who established themselves in Walnut Grove in 1845, and Ben Naugle, who bought 320 acres south of Prosper in 1846, naming it Rock Hill. In the 1850s, other early settlers such as M.C. Talkington and George T. Parvin also arrived.
By the 1870s, two distinct communities had formed: Rock Hill, located south of Prosper, and Richland, just to the north. Both settlements saw substantial growth in the late 1800s, with Rock Hill boasting churches, a gristmill, a cotton gin, and multiple businesses. Meanwhile, Richland developed its own school district in the 1880s.
The Birth of Prosper
The transformation of Prosper began when Collin County began selling land in small tracts in the 1870s. One of these 160-acre plots was purchased by Dr. A.T. Bryant, marking the beginning of Prosper’s future.
In 1902, the community of Richland sought its own post office, but since another Richland existed in Navarro County, the name was changed to Prosper. The name, often attributed to the suggestion of local resident J.C. Slaughter, reflected the region’s prosperous agricultural year.
The Arrival of the Railroad
The St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad’s decision to build a depot in Prosper in 1901 changed the town’s trajectory. As the railroad came to town, businesses and residents from Rock Hill and Richland moved closer to the station. On March 17, 1902, the first train passed through Prosper on its way to Fort Worth.
This sparked a wave of development. In the same year, Prosper saw the construction of its first grocery store, drug store, schoolhouse, and gin. The Masonic Lodge and a cooperative mill also opened, with many businesses relocating from Rock Hill. C.E. Beanland, Prosper’s first merchant, played a key role in this growth by establishing the town’s first mill, known as the Farmer’s Cooperative Mill.
Legacy of the Town's Early Development
Prosper's rapid growth in the early 1900s would not have been possible without the efforts of local pioneers. Sam Sproles, a local entrepreneur, was instrumental in moving structures from Rock Hill to the new site using heavy trucks and engines. His team helped relocate the community's buildings, laying the foundation for the Prosper we know today.
Establishing the Town of Prosper
The first settlers were drawn to this area by the rich, black fertile prairie soil of North Texas, where "cotton was king." However, it was the arrival of the railroad in 1902 that truly transformed the region. With the railroad came a new town, as the nearby settlements of Richland and Rock Hill relocated to Prosper, where the rail lines would become the backbone of economic activity. The railroad not only served as the town’s vital link for exports and imports but also determined the survival of many settlements. Those that were bypassed by railroads were often left behind.
The St. Louis, San Francisco, and Texas Railway was central to the development of Prosper, providing both passenger transport and freight delivery. It divided the land between the rocky "highlands" and the fertile "black land flats." Commercial and residential growth emerged to the east of the tracks, while the western side remained primarily farmland. The railroad allowed traveling salesmen, or “drummers,” to deliver their goods and meet customers along the route. The drummers would often stay overnight in the local hotel before continuing their rounds. Prosper's downtown area had dirt streets that connected businesses with residential neighborhoods. By 1902, the post office was housed in a small white frame building on the north side of the downtown business district.
In 1903, Prosper gained its first bank as a branch of the Continental National Bank of Fort Worth. Six years later, in 1909, Prosper’s local bank received its own charter. The first bank president was J.G. Wilkinson.
Prosper’s Early Businesses and Services
By 1904, Prosper had a thriving business district. Some notable establishments included:
- J. F. Thompson Dry Goods (formerly Irving and Thompson)
- T.A. Rowe Dry Goods
- R. E. L. McElhannon Dry Goods and Groceries
- W.F. Levy Dry Goods
- Jackson and Clayton Hardware (which also sold buggies, wagons, and harnesses)
- W.S. Gregory (funeral supplies)
- Prosper Milling Company operated by C.E. Beanland
Other businesses included a barber shop, a bathhouse, a hotel, grocery stores, and a drugstore. Prosper was also home to the Prosper Times, the town’s first and only newspaper, founded by Charles P. Grafton in 1904.
Three churches—Methodist, Baptist, and Cumberland Presbyterian—moved their congregations to Prosper, and several civic organizations, such as the Masonic Hall, Odd Fellows, and Woodmen of the World, also found new homes in the growing town.
Education and Infrastructure
By 1904, Prosper School—a two-story building—enrolled about 100 students. The town also had two boarding houses to accommodate visitors and newcomers.
In the early years, the town's population grew steadily. Prosper had its first formal census in 1915, which reported a population of 500. New amenities included another hotel, a picture show, dry cleaning services, and three cafes. The Prosper Milling Company produced flour under the brand name "Prosper Maid," which was used to make many household goods, including homemade undergarments sewn from the flour sacks.
Agriculture and Industry
The early settlers of Prosper established small, family-run farms primarily focused on cotton and wheat—staples of the community's economy. The first mill, the Farmer’s Cooperative Mill, was located near the railroad tracks but was destroyed by fire in 1912. A new flour, cornmeal, and feed mill was built by Beanland and Martin, operating until 1939 when it was converted into a grain elevator.
Cotton farming was crucial, with families and hired hands working together during harvest. Cotton was picked by hand, placed in handmade ducking sacks, weighed on balance scales, and loaded onto cotton wagons drawn by mules to the gin. There, the cotton fiber was separated from the seeds and formed into bales for transport to market via the railroad.
Grain production also played an important role in Prosper’s economy. Threshing crews moved from field to field, with a cook shack following them to provide home-cooked meals to the workers. The process of separating grains like wheat, oats, and barley was a communal effort, with the resulting straw formed into haystacks for livestock.
Prosper’s Growth and Challenges
By 1914, Prosper was officially incorporated with a population of 500 and a commission-style government. U.N. Clary became mayor and served for an incredible 49 years. During this time, Prosper became a hub for local farmers, who shipped cotton and wheat from the rich black land prairie to markets via the railroad.
The early 20th century also saw the introduction of the automobile, forever changing the way people lived and worked. The arrival of the Model T Ford in 1910 meant that many farmers could now mechanize their operations, allowing them to expand their reach. The booming farm economy saw cotton prices rise to 44 cents per pound, and wheat prices reached $4.00 per bushel.
World War I, however, had a devastating effect on Prosper’s population. Many young men enlisted, and while some returned, many suffered from long-term health issues and passed away in the following years.
The Great Depression
By the late 1920s, Prosper had become a modern town, with electricity, natural gas, water, paved roads, a bank, and 20 businesses. However, the stock market crash of 1929 plunged the nation—and Prosper—into the Great Depression. The price of cotton dropped to just four cents per pound, and wheat fell to one dollar per bushel. Many of Prosper’s small businesses could not compete with larger stores in nearby cities, and several farms were lost to foreclosure.
One notable effort during this time came from U.N. Clary, who, despite the economic collapse, managed to keep the Prosper State Bank afloat by issuing $2.00 certificates, which were used for local transactions and kept money flowing through the community.
Resilience Through Hard Times
Despite the hardships, Prosper’s community spirit persisted. By the 1940s, the town had weathered the economic downturn and the challenges of World War II, though its population had dwindled to around 270 residents. The center of social life for the town's teenagers during this period was Ma Webb’s Store, where they could dance, play pinball, or simply enjoy time together under the watchful eye of Ma Webb.
While Prosper’s commercial growth slowed, its churches, school, and bank endured. The 1950s saw a gradual revitalization of the town, though it would take decades for the population and economy to recover.
Today, Prosper stands as a testament to resilience and community. Though much of its early infrastructure is gone, many of the brick buildings and homes from the early 1900s are still in use, connecting the present to the town’s rich and storied past.
Prosper: A Journey Through Time
Though Prosper’s population remained relatively stable for over four decades, the town always held fast to its role in the grand "scheme of things." In December of 1952, the town’s three churches came together to sponsor a fifty-year celebration at the Methodist Church. The event provided an opportunity for Prosper’s citizens to reflect on the past half-century and its many milestones.
When U.N. Clary, the town’s mayor and banker, was asked about the future of Prosper, his response was thoughtful and optimistic. “The future of our community will be just like the past,” he said. “For years, we’ve been a vital contributor—furnishing the world with thousands of bales of cotton, bushels of wheat, dairy products, and, most importantly, boys and girls who leave to grow and contribute to other places. As long as we continue this, we will always fulfill our place in the ‘scheme of things.’”
Following Clary’s leadership, a number of mayors guided Prosper through the decades, each ensuring the community maintained its unique role. Roy Skelton, Chester Hays, Ralph Boyer, F. K. Mullendore, John Cockrell, Grady Smotherman, Don Brown, Stephen Coffman, and the current mayor, Jim Dunmire, have all played their part in shaping the town’s ongoing success.
A Strong Foundation: Prosper’s Fire Service
In 1952, Prosper established its Volunteer Fire Department, with the station located near the water tower on First Street and Parvin Lane. The department’s first firefighters—Joe Keith, Ralph Boyer, and Bruce Sterling—were dedicated to the cause. Keith was instrumental in building the department’s first fire truck, a 1950 Chevy. Morris Jackson served as the first fire chief, and in 1962, the department formed the Prosper Fire Association, which helped enhance the department's ability to serve the community.
In 1963, Doyce Stanton became fire chief and held the position for 25 years. By 1997, as Prosper experienced rapid growth, the city took control of the Volunteer Fire Department. That same year, Ronnie Tucker became fire chief, a role he continues to hold today.
A Shift in Prosper’s Economy
The mechanization of farming greatly reduced the number of small farms and farmers in Prosper. Many of those who left farming sought employment in manufacturing and retail in the metro area, as business opportunities outside of agriculture were limited.
By 1980, Prosper’s population had risen to 675, and by 1986, 11 businesses served the local population. However, it wasn’t until 1990 that Prosper saw its population climb to 1,018, setting the stage for more significant changes. As the Dallas metro area expanded, light industry began to find its way to Prosper, bringing with it a diverse economic base. New residents, many of whom worked in high-tech industries in nearby North Dallas and Plano, sought a quieter, more rural lifestyle while still commuting to their jobs.
Prosper's Explosive Growth
In the late 1990s, Prosper began experiencing a rapid influx of families drawn by the appeal of wide-open spaces, rolling hills, and proximity to the metropolitan area. With the rise of technology-driven jobs and well-paying opportunities, many professionals relocated to the area for its rural charm. By 1996, investors and developers began to turn their attention to Prosper. Growth surged in the following years, and by 1998, the town was in a boom phase.
The 2000 Census recorded a population of 2,097 within Prosper’s town limits, with over 5,000 people residing in the town’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). This marked a 106% increase over the previous decade. The town’s rapid expansion led to plans for improved infrastructure, including a newly-established police department, professional fire and medical services, and the construction of a new high school funded by a $9 million bond package.
Despite this growth, Prosper has remained committed to preserving its rural character while adapting to the demands of an expanding population.
Legacy of Prosper’s Graduates
Prosper has always taken pride in its alumni, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success. Among its distinguished graduates are professional engineers, certified public accountants, ministers, Air Force pilots, a professional baseball player, and even the president of the University of Texas. Other notable alumni have represented the town in the U.S. Congress, received scholarships to prestigious institutions like Oxford University, and contributed to academia and public service.
These graduates, alongside countless other dedicated citizens, have helped put Prosper on the map, continuing the town’s legacy of producing outstanding individuals.
Revitalizing Prosper’s Historic Downtown
Prosper's downtown retains much of its historic charm, with several old buildings having been purchased, renovated, and transformed into thriving businesses. One notable landmark is the first brick home in Prosper, built in 1927 by U.N. Clary, which still stands at 209 E. Second Street.
New families and businesses continue to breathe life into the town, which eagerly anticipates the opportunities the future holds. Prosper’s ongoing revitalization ensures that the community will maintain its unique blend of small-town appeal and modern growth.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
Prosper's future is as promising as its past. With a strong sense of community, a rich history, and a commitment to growth and preservation, Prosper stands poised for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. From surviving the Great Depression to overcoming two World Wars, mechanizing farming, and embracing technological progress, Prosper has endured—and thrived.
The town’s resilience is reflected in the stories of its early settlers, who came from the Rock Hill and Richland settlements and persevered through hardship. Today, their descendants continue to play a crucial role in Prosper’s future. As the town expands and evolves, it remains a living testament to the determination and spirit of those who laid the foundation for what Prosper is today—and what it will become.