Allen in Collin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Allen Depot

Photographed by James Hulse, September 4, 2026

1. Allen Depot Marker

Inscription.
Allen was platted by surveyor Theodore Kosse in 1876 for the Houston & Texas Central Railway, formerly known as the Galveston-Red River Railway. It was named for former Texas Attorney General and railroad promoter Ebenezer Allen. Nearby Cottonwood Creek was an ideal water-stop location for locomotives as steam engines had to take on water every seven to ten miles. The stone dam, built in 1874 and the only one of its kind known to remain in the United States, provided water with fewer minerals. A second concrete dam was added downstream to increase the water pool in 1912, which submerged and hid the original dam until uncovered in the 1990’s. In the early 1900’s, the Southern Pacific Railroad built the Allen Depot with beautiful carved eaves and painted it dark yellow. Unfortunately it was lost to fire in the late 1940’s. The depot and the railroad contributed significantly to the rapid growth of this part of Collin County.

On February 22, 1878, Sam Bass and his outlaw gang committed the first successful train robbery in Texas at Allen Station, near this site. After a brief exchange of gunfire, the robbers made off with

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approximately $1200 in silver coins.

On April 5, 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt became the first U.S. President to visit Allen. He was traveling in his private train car “Rocket” enroute to a Rough Riders reunion in San Antonio, Texas. When he spoke that evening to the people of Allen he was dressed in his Rough Riders uniform and encouraged unity among all the people. In the late 1950’s the trains ceased using the Allen water station and in the early 1980’s the railway right of way for the Allen Depot was sold to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit System (DART).

Erected by Collin County Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is February 22, 1878.

Location. 33° 6.148′ N, 96° 40.176′ W. Marker is in Allen, Texas, in Collin County. It is at the intersection of Ash Street and E Main Street, on the right when traveling south on Ash Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 E Main St, Allen TX 75013, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region

Allen Depot and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 4, 2026

2. Allen Depot and Marker

and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Allen Heritage Center (a few steps from this marker); Locomotive (within shouting distance of this marker); The Allen Station of the Texas Electric Railway (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Allen Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Greater Moore’s Chapel (approx. 0.3 miles away); Allen Colored School (approx. 0.3 miles away); Outhouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Chicken Coop (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Allen.

Allen Depot Caboose image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 4, 2026

3. Allen Depot Caboose

Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 6, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.