Must-Visit Richardson Historical Landmarks
From the charming red brick streets of Historic Downtown to the iconic Richardson Mercantile, visitors can step back in time and explore the city's layered heritage. In this Insider Guide, we’ll tell you where to go to glimpse the rich Richardson history through its well-preserved historical sites.
Historic Downtown Richardson
Visitors and locals love hanging out in Downtown Richardson, thanks to its historic vibe, modern features, and unique attractions. This delightful district dates back to 1873, when the Houston and Texas Central Railway constructed its first depot in the city. The depot is now gone, but the area still stands as the historic heart of Richardson.
Walking down its main thoroughfares, you can still see glimpses of the city’s past, such as a town square where farmers brought their cotton to be processed and where townspeople bought and traded supplies. This city center is still known for commerce and year-round city events that attract large crowds.
Though many original buildings are now gone, there are some brick structures from the late 19th and 20th centuries still standing, especially around the 100 block of East Main Street.
If you’re hungry for nostalgia, try a signature charcoal-grilled burger or a slice of fried cherry pie in a proudly old-school atmosphere at Del’s on McKinney. Or head a few blocks over to Tavern on Main Street, a friendly neighborhood bar and pub located in an original early-century building with photographs of “Old Richardson” dotting the walls.
Hill Robberson House
Richardson is a booming city, attracting many new residents with the opportunities of Telecom Corridor, but there are still a few remaining structures that date back nearly to its inception, including the Hill Robberson House. Known to locals as “the gingerbread house,” it features a distinctive gabled roof and gingerbread-style ornamentation.
This official historical site was built in 1887 by A. H. Hill, an early Richardson settler, at 206 Sherman Street. It housed prominent Richardson residents for decades, and today visitors love to marvel at its intricate detailing and Victorian-era architecture. You can even take a Richardson Historic Home Tour if you’d like to see more of these extraordinary original structures that still stand.
McKamy Spring
It might surprise you to learn that one of Richardson’s oldest landmarks is a natural spring that dates back centuries. Long before any settlers entered Texas, Native Americans lived in and around the area and most likely camped around what is now called McKamy Spring.
After the railroads came to Richardson in the 1870s, Richardson experienced rapid growth and exploration. Named for the new town’s first mayor, Thomas McKamy, this natural spring supplied water to local wells and other water systems in town. Today, water still bubbles up from the ground, flowing Eastward into the Floyd Branch stream.
You can even walk up to and around the spring, marked by a half-domed stone grotto that’s now the centerpiece of a greenspace area in an apartment community. You can check it out at 600 Brick Row near Historic Downtown Richardson.
Greenville Avenue
Today, the many highways and interstates connect Richardson to its surrounding towns and cities, but 100 years ago, there was the Red Brick Road. More commonly known as Greenville Avenue, this thoroughfare helped city-goers travel to and from work, school, and play. While there isn’t just one specific landmark, this historical route is still fun to drive along to get glimpses of the past.
One such iconic relic that still stands along this route is the Wheeler School Building at 400 S Greenville Avenue. This former school building is over 100 years old and played a significant role in Richardson’s growth. Talk to any Richardson resident above a certain age and it's likely this is where they were educated.
The building now houses the local school district administration, but you can take a peek inside and see whispers of the past, including dark spots on the floor where old-school desks were nailed down.
Sister City Plano’s Historic District
Just across the highway, you’ll find a ton of Richardson-adjacent history in sister city Plano’s Historic Downtown District. This must-visit district is both a monument to the city’s heritage as well as a nod to its modern prominence.
What started as the city center of a small farming community has evolved into a charming city center that still feels loyal to its historic past. Walk along the iconic red brick streets lined with gorgeously preserved 19th century buildings, which now house a mix of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants including the beloved pizza restaurant Urban Crust.
Linked today by the DART light rail, it’s fun to spend an afternoon or weekend checking out its cute one-of-a-kind stores for some fascinating retail therapy. The historic district also hosts live cultural events, performances, and public art exhibits throughout the year. While you’re there, duck into the historic Railway Museum and the fully-restored Saigling House — home to Plano’s ArtCentre.
Discover Richardson’s Rich History
Richardson’s deep history of commerce continues today, and touring these iconic landmarks offers a fascinating journey through Richardson’s evolution from a small railroad and farming town to a thriving North Dallas Technology hub. Grab a friend and take a stroll through the spectacular past.
