J Walking @ the Historic Water Station of Allen, Texas.

Allen is home to the only known stone dam in the United States, which was used for transportation purposes. The 1874 Stone Dam created a source of water for the Houston & Texas Central Railway Company’s steam locomotives between Dallas and Denison, greatly contributing to the growth and prosperity of the region from the 1870s until steam locomotives were replaced by diesel engines.

The Allen Water Station was designated as a Texas State Archaeological Landmark in 2001 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. Preservation Texas awarded the Allen Water Station project the prestigious 2017 Honor Award for restoration of the 1874 Stone Dam in February 2017. The Collin County Historical Commission awarded the City of Allen Parks and Recreation Department their Leadership in Preservation Award in April 2017.