Region: Panhandle Plains
Abilene, named after the Kansas cattle town, owes its genesis to the Texas
and Pacific Railway. Before the railroad came, the area was inhabited by nomadic
Native Americans, the U.S. military and, later, by buffalo hunters and ranchers.
The railroad arrived in January 1881 and promoted Abilene as the "future Great
City of West Texas." Abilene was established on March 15, 1881.
In slightly more than 100 years, Abilene's economy has diversified to include
oil, agriculture, manufacturing, and medicine, culture and retail. Today, the
area boasts of the world's largest wind farm, providing clean, renewable power
to Texas.
Three private universities, six institutions of higher education and Dyess
Air Force Base call Abilene home.
As a designated Cultural District, All America City and Preserve America
city, Abilene's civic progressiveness has grown to include a philharmonic
orchestra, regional ballet, community theater, community band, opera and
Broadway plays.
Its first fair was held in 1884, and the tradition continues with the West
Texas Fair and Rodeo in mid-September. Also, Abilene's western heritage is
celebrated the second weekend in May with the Western Heritage Classic Ranch
Rodeo.
Abilene is on the Texas Forts Trail and is home to the Forts Trail Regional
Office. The city lies on U.S. 84, a segment of the Ports-to-Plains Highway
connecting the state's heartland to coastal ports.