Annona, Texas, is a small town with a rich history that reflects the development and changes typical of small American towns. Situated in Red River County, Texas, Annona was established in the early 1870s along the proposed route of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, a common catalyst for the development of towns during that era. The town initially bore the name Walker Station, in honor of G. W. Walker, its founder and first postmaster. By 1874, with the relocation of the post office from nearby Savannah, the community took on this new name. Interestingly, in 1884, the town’s name was changed to Annona, suggested by Walker himself, inspired by the name of an American Indian girl​​.

Annona’s significance grew rapidly following the completion of the railroad in 1876, turning it into an important trading point within the county by 1881, second only to Clarksville. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Annona thriving, with a range of services and amenities including churches, schools, gins, mills, and even a newspaper by 1914, the Annona News. However, like many small towns, Annona experienced fluctuations in its population and economic fortunes over the years. Despite peaking at around 600 residents in 1914, the population experienced declines, particularly notable by the 1990 census when it fell to 329, and then to 282 by 2000​​.

Geographically, Annona is positioned at coordinates 33.58194°N, 94.91361°W, encompassing an area of 0.8 square miles, all of which is land. The climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters, typical of the humid subtropical climate zone. As of the 2010 census, Annona had a population of 315, which slightly decreased by 2019 estimates to 288 residents​​.

The town’s demographic makeup is diverse, with a significant portion of its population being African American, alongside White, Native American, and other races. The economic landscape as of the 2000 census highlighted challenges, with median incomes for households and families below the national average and a notable percentage of the population living below the poverty line​​.

Today, Annona stands as a testament to the ebbs and flows of small-town America, maintaining its unique identity and historical significance within Texas. Its journey from a railroad outpost to a modern small town encapsulates the broader narrative of rural development in the United States, reflecting changes in transportation, economy, and demographics over the decades.