James Watson Riley established Celina in 1834.[6] The settlement was named after Salina, New York.[7]
Huffy Bicycle and Mersman Furniture formerly had manufacturing plants in Celina but have since closed. Companies such as Celina Aluminum Precision Technology (a Honda supplier), Crown Equipment Corporation (located in Huffy’s former location), and Reynolds and Reynolds are the largest manufacturing employers. Eighth Floor, LLC, Thieman Tailgates, McKirnan Brothers, Inc. and Celina Tent Inc. are also based out of Celina. There are also lot of farms as a result of the rich soil after the draining. Celina grows mainly soybeans, corn, and wheat.[10]