Abilene TX has a population of people who are committed to more than just the daily grind. That commitment extends to a strong local economy built on hardworking people.
Abilene was founded in 1881 and became a cattle shipping station on the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Its name comes from Abilene Kansas, which is the endpoint of Chisholm Trail.
History
The city of Abilene was founded on March 15, 1881. The first lot sold was at the auction held at North 2nd Street and Cedar Streets. Abilene’s beginnings are owed to the railroad but its people have made it unique.
Churches were established, schools began, and culture clubs grew. Wholesalers began to supply ranchers and merchants in remote areas, and community spirit developed.
Civic leaders promoted the establishment of a base for the Air Force in order to diversify the local economy. In 1952, their efforts were rewarded when Congress approved Dyess Air Force Base. To this day, Abilene is a business-friendly city that cherishes its western heritage and embraces the future. The city has a vibrant downtown cultural district as well as educational museums and urban park.
Abilene’s economy is strong and diverse, with the city being the commercial, educational and health care hub of West Central Texas. Major employers include Dyess Air Force Base, Hendrick Health and Abilene Christian University. A vibrant local economy is fueled by a robust agricultural sector, and numerous small businesses benefit from a business-friendly environment.
Abilene has the highest percentage of residents who work in their own city. This is the highest percentage of any place in the local area. This is due in large part to the fact Hardin-Simmons University as well as McMurry University being located in Abilene, and that they employ many students.
Education
Abilene’s schools are well-equipped and offer a variety of extracurricular programs to their students. GreatSchools has given high ratings to many public and private schools located in Abilene.
This chart gives a general overview and comparison of the educational attainment levels in the city in relation to other areas in Texas and in the United States. It includes information such as school dropout rate and number of people who have a bachelors degree or higher advanced degree generally obtained in a university learning environment.
The city is home to a variety of universities including three church-related institutions. Simmons College, now Hardin-Simmons University, was founded in 1891. Then came Abilene Christian University (originally Childers Classical Institute) and McMurry University in 1923.
Arts & Culture
The intrepid West Texans who chose to build their new town and devise an economy alongside railroad tracks quickly established churches and colleges, started cultural clubs, and established the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra. The intrepid West Texans who chose to build their new town and devise an economy alongside railroad tracks quickly established churches and colleges, started cultural clubs, as well as the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra.
Today, the city has a flourishing downtown Cultural District, three private universities (Abilene Christian University, McMurry College, and Hardin-Simmons), a large Air Force base at Dyess, and a variety of public art venues that keep residents and visitors busy. Several of the historic buildings that were built in this era have been repurposed to house these arts organizations, including The Grace Museum, the 12th Armored Division Museum, the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, the Abilene Philharmonic, the Cockerell Studio & Gallery and the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden.
Sport
Abilene is located midway between Dallas, Texas and Lubbock. It offers a variety of fun activities. Take a tour of the local craft breweries, sample a plethora of locally made wines and shop for mesquite-grilled steak at the legendary Perini Ranch. Learn more about West Texas’ rich farming and ranching heritage by visiting area farms. Shockey Stables & Vinson Ranches offers guided hunting and trail rides, while May Farm, in Hawley, has hayrides and strawberry picking, as well as a petting zoo.
Soaring melodies and heart-warming orchestral masterpieces are provided by the acclaimed Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra. Abilene State park offers outdoor recreation including camping, hiking and biking, as well as a fishing pond and lake.