The Allen Depot, 100 E Main St.

The Allen Heritage Guild maintains the Allen Depot as a repository of historic materials associated with the development of Allen and as a museum displaying exhibits and holding events that reflect the city’s history. The original depot burned in the late 1940s. The only structure remaining from the original depot site is the old cistern located on the south side of the building. Building of the replica depot developed as a result of a cooperative effort between Leadership Allen Class X, Allen Parks and Recreation, Allen Heritage Guild and the Chamber of Commerce and was funded by the Community Development Corporation.

Allen Veteran’s Memorial, Bethany Lakes Park – 1201 East Bethany Dr.

The Allen Veteran’s Memorial honors members of all branches of the United States Armed Forces, both past and present, with five 18-foot granite monoliths surrounding a 65-foot American flag pole with bench seating. Bricks are installed within the Memorial two times each year; just prior to Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day.

Historic Water Station Trail & Old Stone Dam, 381 E Exchange Pkwy 

The Old Stone Dam, built in 1874, is not just one of the most historic places in Allen, it’s also believed to be the only railroad water reservoir left in the United States. Old steam locomotives on the Houston and Texas Central Railway stopped at Allen’s water station to pump in water backed up by the dam to power the trains. Were it not for the existence of the railroad and water dam, Allen may never have become the bustling community it is today. The dam and Historic Water Station is designated by the Texas Historical Commission as a state archaeological landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Allen’s 1874 stone dam and railroad water station is located north of Exchange in Allen Station Park. Just off the path of the Cottonwood Creek Hike and Bike Trail, a destination bridge overlooking the Old Stone Dam connects to the crushed granite loop where interpretative panels detail information about the Historic Water Station. To access this trail, park at Allen Station Park and follow the trail signs northwest.

Allen Heritage Village is known for its prominent and bold look back at Allen’s history of prosperity dating back to the 1840s when immigrants began to move into this area. Set on several acres of land, the “village” houses several of Allen’s oldest remaining homes and outbuildings including Allen Christian Church built in 1918. Spend the afternoon admiring the structures restored in the village and learn about Allen’s history from interpretive exhibits.

The historic Saint Mary’s Baptist Church stands as one of the leading symbols of how we have preserved our past. Originally organized as an African American Baptist congregation and school, it has been restored to its original state and stands as an interpretation of what it may have been like at the turn of the twentieth century. The church contains the original hardwood floors, green ceiling boards and choir rail. The blackboard on the back wall was originally used during the days when the church served as a school.

With our driven and guided tour of the roots of the city, the all-volunteer Allen Heritage Guild dedicates itself to preserving as much history as possible, and bringing it to light for us all to enjoy. Current and future projects of theirs provide a brilliant look at Allen’s past.