Allen, Texas

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Allen, Texas|
settlement_type = City


imagesize =
image_caption =


imagesize =
image_caption =

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mapsize = 250px
map_caption = Location of Allen in Collin County, Texas


mapsize1 =
map_caption1 =
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = United States
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = Texas
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Collin
government_type =
leader_title = Mayor
leader_name = Steve Terrell
established_date =
area_magnitude = 1 E9
area_total_km2 = 68.2
area_land_km2 = 68.2
area_water_km2 = 0.0
population_as_of = 2006
population_note =
population_total = 77465
population_density_km2 = 638.4
timezone = CST
utc_offset = -6
timezone_DST = CDT
utc_offset_DST = -5
area_total_sq_mi = 26.3
area_land_sq_mi = 26.3
area_water_sq_mi = 0.0
elevation_m = 201
elevation_ft = 659
latd = 33 |latm = 05 |lats = 59 |latNS = N
longd = 96 |longm = 39 |longs = 47 |longEW = W
website = http://www.cityofallen.org
postal_code_type = ZIP codes
postal_code = 75002, 75013
area_code = 972, 469, 214
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 48-01924GR|2
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 1329377GR|3
footnotes = |

Allen is a city in Collin County, Texas, United States, and a northern suburb of Dallas. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 43,554. As of April 2007, the city's population is estimated at 77,465.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, after buying the Chase Oaks Golf Course the city has a total area of 26.3 square miles (68.2 km²).26.3 square miles (68.2 km²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water except the small ponds scattered throughout the city.

Demographics

As of April 2007, there were 77,465 people living in Allen. This is a dramatic increase from the city's 2000 Census figures showing just over 40,000 people, 14,205 households, and 12,045 families. Other statistics, based on 2000 Census figures, showed population density at 638.4/km² (1,653.6/sq mi). There were 15,227 housing units at an average density of 578.1/sq mi (223.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 87.14% White, 4.40% African American, 0.52% Native American, 3.73% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.41% from other races, and 1.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.98% of the population.

There were 14,205 households out of which 55.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.6% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.2% were non-families. 11.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 1.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.07 and the average family size was 3.35.

In the city the population was spread out with 34.9% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 40.7% from 25 to 44, 16.2% from 45 to 64, and 2.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city in 2006 was $85,986, and the median income for a family was $101,120.

History

Prior to the arrival of the European and American immigrants into the Allen area, Caddo and Comanche Indian tribes inhabited the region. The Indian tribes migrated westward as the early settlers entered the area and were eventually removed to the Indian Territory to the north of the Red River. One of the last known conflicts between the early settlers and the Indians took place in 1844 along Rowlett Creek near the existing railroad. An historic marker along SH 5 near Rowlett Creek commemorates the event.

Immigrants of European descent began arriving into the Allen area in the early 1840s in search of free land, traveling the Texas Road and the Central National Road, constructed by the Republic of Texas. A stage line ran from Bonham through McKinney to Allen and Plano, crossing Rowlett Creek where SH 5 now crosses. Allen was part of the Peter’s Colony Land Grant from the Republic of Texas to the Texas Emigration & Land Company.

The Houston and Texas Central Railroad (H&TC), constructed through Allen in 1872, laid out the original township of Allen. The H&TC was acquired by J.P. Morgan & Company in 1877 and by the Southern Pacific in 1883. In 1918, the H&TC erected a combination freight/passenger depot in the Allen Central Business District.

The first train robbery in Texas took place in Allen on February 22, 1878, when Sam Bass and his associates pillaged the train. Allen was a short ride from their hideouts in the Elm Trinity brush lands.

In 1907, the Texas Traction Company (Interurban) purchased right-of-way on the west side of the H&TC main line track and constructed the Interurban line through Allen as a stop on its route from Denison to Dallas in 1908. In 1915 a devastating fire destroyed most of the business district between the Interurban tracts and the railroad.

The Interurban closed in 1948 and the population of Allen declined to 400 in 1950. The town was officially incorporated in 1953 and Home Rule Status was adopted in 1979, with a Council/Manager form of government. The construction of highway US 75 in 1960 had a similar impact on Allen’s future as the railroad almost a century before. In the 1980’s,Developmental Learning Materials and InteCom, Inc. relocated to Allen, leading the way for further corporate startups and relocations. cite web |url=http://www.cityofallen.org/visitors.htm |title=Visitors |accessdate=2008-02-22 |format= |work=]

Allen's first recorded tornado occurred on April 10, 2008, when, in the range of 3:50AM to 4:30AM CST, a severe storm hit Collin County, ripping shingles off of houses, knocking over fences, and spreading debris of all kind ranging from plastic shopping bags to garden hose reels. More severe damage was inflicted on a subdivision being built, causing several framed houses and thousands of feet of stone and wood fences to collapse. The winds were strong enough to cause dozens of signs and flagpoles to bend over. The report of the tornado, made by many residents, was officially confirmed, by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association, as ranking EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

Education

The Allen Independent School District has 13 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 1 freshman center, 1 alternate school, and 1 high school (Allen High School). Allen ISD serves almost all of Allen.

Small portions of the Allen city limits extend into Lovejoy, McKinney, and Plano ISDs. In the fall of 2006, new 9th grade high school students in the Lovejoy ISD boundaries began attending the newly opened Lovejoy High School [http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/081406dnccowakelandopen.23cd566.html] . A new grade level is to be added each subsequent school year, making the school a full 4-year high school in the 2009-10 school year. Existing Allen High School (Classes 2008 and 2009) students within the Lovejoy ISD boundaries continue to attend Allen High School.

Allen hosts a campus of the Collin County Community College District, which is located inside Allen High School.

The Allen Eagle Escadrille, Allen High School's marching band, performed in the 2006 Tournament of Roses Parade and Bandfest in Pasadena, California. The Escadrille has 650 members, including the band, drill team, and color guard. The Escadrille is the largest high school band in the world. It was also a special participant in the 1994 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, 1995 and 1999 Texas Gubernatorial Parades, and 1997 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Notable residents

The following is a list of past and current residents of Allen, who have obtained notability outside of the community:
*Burton Gilliam, actor
*Matt Barr, actor
*Carly Patterson, gymnast, 2004 Olympic All-Around Champion and musician
*Tony Dorsett, Dallas Cowboys player
*Julie McCullough, Playboy Playmate
*Amanda Dunbar, Artist, 2006 inductee into Texas Women's Hall of Famecite web |url=http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/women/work/hof/members#dunbar |title=Texas Women's Hall of Fame |accessdate=2008-02-22 ]
*Kathleen Baskin-Ball, clergy, nationally known preacher
*Brad Furnish second round draft pick of the St.Louis Cardinals in 2006.
*Christopher "Big Black" Boykin former reality star of Rob & Big.

References

External links

* [http://www.cityofallen.org/ City of Allen official website]
* [http://www.allentv.org/ ACTV - Allen City Television]
* [http://www.youtube.com/allencitytv ACTV - On You Tube]
* [http://www.allenisd.org/ Allen ISD Website]
*Handbook of Texas|id=AA/hfa4|name= Allen, TX
* [http://www.city-data.com/city/Allen-Texas.html Allen, TX demographic data]
* [http://www.allenescadrille.com Allen Eagle Escadrille Website]
* [http://www.co.collin.tx.us/ Collin County Texas]