Abilene TX has a population of people who are committed to more than just the daily grind. This commitment is reflected in a local economy that is based on the hard work of its residents.
Founded in 1881 as a cattle shipping point on the Texas and Pacific Railroad, Abilene got its name from Abilene, Kansas, the endpoint of the Chisholm Trail.
History
Abilene was incorporated on March 15, 1881. The first lot sold was at the auction held at North 2nd Street and Cedar Streets. Abilene owes its start to the railroad, but it was the people of this west Texas town that set it apart.
Churches were established, schools began, and culture clubs grew. Wholesalers started to serve far-flung ranchers and merchants, and a community spirit set in.
Civic leaders pushed to diversify the economy by promoting the establishment of an Air Force base here. Their efforts paid off in 1952 when Congress approved Dyess Air Force Base. Abilene, a city that embraces its Western heritage while embracing the future, is still a business friendly city. The city has a vibrant downtown cultural district as well as educational museums and urban park.
Economy
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.
The majority of Abilene’s population work in the city where they live. This is the highest percentage of any place in the local area. This is largely due to the fact that both Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University are located in Abilene and employ many students.
Education
Abilene schools are known for being well-equipped academically and offering a wide range of extracurricular activities to students. GreatSchools has given high ratings to many public and private schools located in Abilene.
This chart provides a high level review and comparison of educational attainment in the city relative to other places in Texas and 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.
Three of the city’s universities are church-related. The first of these, Simmons College (later Hardin-Simmons University) opened in 1891 followed by Abilene Christian University which began life as Childers Classical Institute and McMurry University which was established 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 historic buildings built during this era are now home to arts organizations. These include The Grace Museum and the 12th Armored Division Museum. They also house the Abilene Symphony, Cockerell Studio & Gallery, the Adamson-Spalding storybook garden, as well as the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature.
Sports
Midway between Dallas and Lubbock, Abilene offers many fun-filled pastimes. 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 offer trail rides and guided hunting, while May Farm in Hawley has hayrides, strawberry picking and 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.