The Tale of Mantua

A story rich with Texas history.

Just a hop and a skip north from Dallas lies Mantua, a small town with a big story. One that involves old railroad towns, Texas’ founding fathers and a school that brought hundreds of settlers together. Today, Mantua looks a little different as a 2,000-acre master planned community – but some things haven’t changed. The forming of a small, tight-knit town built on strong values, for example. The promise of a bright future. And a return to heritage that’s inspiring generations of families to set down roots here.

Laying the Tracks of Mantua

Our Story

  • 1854 William C. McKinney, James W. Throckmorton and Joseph Wilcox purchase 200 acres of land from Younger Scott McKinney, the son of Texas founding father Collin McKinney.
  • 1855-1856 The land is sectioned into lots and sold.
  • 1857-1858 The proceeds are used to found Mantua Seminary, sponsored by Masonic Lodge No. 209.
  • 1858 Mantua gets its own post office, with E.B. Rollins appointed as the first Postmaster.
  • 1860 A thriving small town, Mantua is home to a church, three stores and about 50 residents. The first classes are held at Mantua Seminary.
  • 1870 The population of Mantua soars to 300.
  • 1872 The Houston and Texas Central Railway lay tracks 1.5 miles east of the community. Some Mantua citizens purchase nearby land and found Van Alstyne, named for Mrs. Marie Van Alstyne, a Houston stockholder of the railroad.
  • 2011 Mantua receives its official Texas Historical Marker. All that remains of the former town is Mantua Cemetery and Mantua Road.
  • Today Mantua’s legacy lives on through our 2,000-acre master planned community. Like the original settlement, we value education and celebrate heritage within a town offering opportunity for all who become part of its thread.

The Mantua master plan is taking shape and our where then meets now community is really coming together. Streets are paved, the amenity center is open and five, fully-furnished model homes are available to tour. Check back regularly for updates on the Mantua project and make plans to visit.

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