Learn about Peters Colony, a pivotal chapter of Allen’s history, from Annetta Ramsay at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Allen Public Library. 

The Texas Emigration and Land Company—also known as Peters’ Colony—was instrumental in settling families in north central Texas region between 1841 and 1848. The initial contracts were with the Republic of Texas,

Most of Allen was part of Peters Colony, and the boundaries of this settlement extended south into Dallas and Ellis Counties. The city of The Colony is named for this endeavor. 

In 1843, Henry Oliver Hedgcoxe came to Collin County as the agent for the stockholders of the Peters Colony. He proved to be a diligent and efficient representative of the company, but his activities precipitated a controversy with land locators, speculators, and some colonists. Descendants of Henry Hedgcoxe continued to remain in the area, and Hedgcoxe Road in southwest Allen is named after this family.   

Annetta has published articles on Texas History in the Denton Record Chronicle and is the author of The Denton Women's Interracial Fellowship: How a Group of Women Led a City to Desegregate.

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.