The stream is named for James (Jack) Cummins, one of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred, who was granted the land at its mouth in 1824.
The stream, known to the Spanish as San Benave, was also called Mill Creek before acquiring the name of the pioneer.
Cummins Creek is a major tributary of the Colorado River and was for many years subject to extensive flooding.
Throughout its course and along its tributaries a large number of flood-control impoundments built through programs of the United States Department of Agriculture provide both flood protection and opportunities for recreation.
The densely wooded banks, especially along the lower reaches of the creek, provide good stands of native pecans and excellent wildlife habitat.