Want To Know More About Allen, Texas?

Howdy, folks! Let’s dive into the story of Allen, Texas—a gem of a city that’s got small-town roots and big-time energy. Tucked away in Collin County, about 20 miles north of Dallas, Allen’s part of the lively Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. As of 2022, it’s home to an estimated 111,551 people, but it wasn’t always this bustling! Long ago, the land belonged to Native American tribes like the Caddo and Comanche. Things started to change in the early 1840s when settlers from the U.S. and Europe arrived, setting the stage for a new chapter.

In 1872, the Houston and Texas Central Railway rolled through, and that’s when Allen really got its name—after Ebenezer Allen, a Texas politician who was all about those railroad vibes. The railway was a big deal, letting farmers ship crops across the country before they spoiled, which shifted the area from cattle ranching to farming. Here’s a juicy tidbit: in 1878, notorious outlaw Sam Bass and his gang pulled off Texas’s first-ever train robbery right in Allen, nabbing $1,500 (that’s like $40,000 today!). Talk about a wild west moment!

From 1908 to 1948, Allen was a key stop on the Texas Traction Company’s interurban line, linking it from Denison to Dallas. Back when it was incorporated in 1953, Allen was just a sleepy town of a few hundred folks. But oh, how it’s grown! The construction of U.S. Route 75, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and the growth of nearby Dallas and Plano turned Allen into a booming suburb. Today, it’s a hotspot for shopping at places like Allen Premium Outlets, Watters Creek, and The Village at Allen, not to mention awesome recreation spots like the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium and The Edge Skate Park—one of the biggest skate parks in Texas.

Allen’s also got a lively community spirit, with events like the Allen USA Celebration every June, where 100,000 people come for food trucks, live music, and a fireworks show that lights up the sky. With top-tier schools, high-tech companies like MonkeySports and PFSweb calling it home, and over 1,188 acres of parks, Allen’s the perfect mix of modern and cozy. Whether you’re into history, outdoor fun, or just soaking up the friendly vibes, Allen’s got something for everyone.