Texas Cities

Region: Big Bend Country

Odessa is nestled in the heart of West Texas, midway between Dallas and El Paso. Here you'll enjoy breathtaking skies, wide-open spaces and real West Texas hospitality.

Odessa was established in the late 1800s as a water stop for the railroad. Farming and ranching were the main sources of income until the discovery of oil in the 1920s when Odessa became headquarters for the vast petroleum industry in the Permian Basin. Today, Odessa remains active in the oil and gas business, but diversification efforts are going strong. Manufacturing, industrial services, educational and medical facilities are all important aspects of the local economy.

From community theater to historic buildings and museums, from Jackalopes Professional Hockey to Roughnecks Indoor Football Team and the World's Largest Jackrabbit, you'll find it in Odessa.

The Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo is one of the top annual events on the PRCA circuit. 218 W. 46th. 432/366-3951. www.sandhillsstockshowandrodeo.com.