| HISTORY OF ALLEN - The Houston & Texas Central Railroad was constructed through Allen in 1872 to facilitate the transport of people and agricultural products. Allen was named for Ebenezer Allen, a former attorney general of Texas and one of the promoters of the railroad.
In 1915, the town suffered a devastating fire that destroyed most of the business district between the interurban tracts and the railroad.
Allen remained an agricultural community during the world wars and depression era.
The interurban closed in 1948 and the importance of agriculture to the economic base of Allen began to diminish after World War II.
With the relocation of high technology companies into Allen in the 1960's through the 1990's, the population has increased significantly and Allen is becoming widely known as an ideal community in which to live and work.
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The Allen Heritage Guild sponsored “Christmas thru the Decades” Dec 8 at the Allen Christian Church, 12-4pm. The Guild featured Steinbach nutcrackers, the original music and story of “Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer”, storyboards of holiday traditions, a 1930’s Christmas tree complete with presents and a 1960’s aluminum tree with presents. The hi-lites of the day were actor Burton Gilliam reading “Twas the night before Christmas”, and Collin String Ensemble playing Christmas songs. Christmas favorites of Gingerbread and cider were served in the historic church complete with all the Christmas decorations. A large crowd enjoyed “Christmas thru the Decades”--2012
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Driving Tour of Allen
The Allen Heritage Guild, along with the City of Allen, the Allen Parks and Recreation Department and the Texas Historical Commission have developed a historical driving tour of Allen.
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