Anna, city in Collin County, Texas, United States
Anna is a city in Collin County in north Texas, situated along U.S. Highway 75 and State Highway 5. The city lies about 11 miles northeast of McKinney and today contains residential neighborhoods, schools, local shops, and parks that serve families with various amenities and services.
The area saw initial settlement in 1846 when Collin McKinney arrived, but the town took shape after 1870 when John F. Greer built the first home and store. The arrival of the Houston and Texas Central Railway in 1873 spurred growth, and the city was officially platted in 1883 before being incorporated in 1913.
Anna was named after Anna Quinlan, daughter of a railroad superintendent, and this connection to the railway remains central to the town's identity. The community preserves its early roots through the still-standing First Christian Church built in 1882 and old buildings that reflect how people lived and worked here.
The city is easily reached via U.S. Highway 75 and features flat terrain that makes exploring by car or on foot straightforward. Visitors can find parks, school facilities, and local shops throughout town, with proximity to McKinney providing access to additional services and resources.
A 2006 storm featuring two tornadoes forced the community to use the high school as emergency shelter for those affected, showing the town's ability to pull together in crisis. The Anna Area Historical Preservation Society published a comprehensive 484-page book in 2018 covering the city's history, including its train depot, historic homes, and early services.
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