Allen, Texas

Allen is a city located in Collin County, Texas. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 43,554.

History

The town was founded in 1870 as a railroad stop for the Houston and Texas Railroad, connecting the railway with nearby farms. The first railway dam used to facilitate the railway still stands at Exchange Park. The town was named after former Texas attorney general and railorad promoter Ebenezer Allen.

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In 1878, a gang of robbers led by Sam Bass, committed what is believed to have been the first train robbery in Texas at the Allen station.

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During the 1990s, children's television shows such as Barney & Friends and Wishbone were filmed in Allen.

Related Topics:
Barney & Friends - Wishbone

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In 2004, Carly Patterson, gymnast from Allen, won the all around Olympic gold medal and two silver medals (for team competition and the beam).

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On January 2, 2006, the Allen High School Escadrille will march in the Tournament of Roses Parade http://www.tournamentofroses.com/roseparade/index.asp This band is thought to be one of, if not, the biggest High School Marching Band in the United States, with approximately 600 student members.

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