Van Alstyne is a city in Grayson and Collin Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 3,046 at the 2010 census, up from 2,502 at the 2000 census. The Grayson County portion of Van Alstyne is part of the Sherman–Denison Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
Van Alstyne was built in 1873, for settlers to be near the railroad stop of the Houston and Texas Central Railway. The town was named for either William A. Van Alstyne, a civil engineer with the railroad, or for Marie Van Alstyne, a shareholder in the railroad company.
The town was incorporated in 1890.
Geography
Van Alstyne is located in southeastern Grayson County at (33.423911, –96.578730). The city limits extend south slightly into Collin County.
The U.S. Route 75 freeway runs through the western side of the city, with access from Exits 50 and 51. US 75 leads north to Denison and south to the center of Dallas. Van Alstyne's immediate neighbors are Anna to the south and Howe to the north.
According to the United States Census, Van Alstyne has a total area of , all land.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,369 people, 1,307 households, and 1,108 families residing in the city.
Education
Public schools
Students are served by the Van Alstyne Independent School District. Schools in the district include Partin Elementary School (formerly Van Alstyne Elementary School), Sanford Elementary School, Van Alstyne Middle School and Van Alstyne High School.
Colleges
Grayson County College operates a branch campus in Van Alstyne.