Abilene, Texas

Abilene is a city located in Texas, USA. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 115,930. It is the county seat of Taylor County{{GR|6}}. Dyess Air Force Base is located to the west of the city.

History

Established by cattlemen as stock shipping point on Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1881, named for Abilene, Kansas; original endpoint for Old Chisolm Trail. Later became major cattle producing area with diversified farming. In recent years oil has added great impetus to city's economy. By 1900, 3,411 people lived here. When the city celebrated its centennial in 1981, the city set up a demonstration oil-drilling rig on the county fairgrounds just to illustrate the techniques of "making hole". By pure accident, it struck oil, not much, but enough for modest profitable production.

Related Topics:
1881 - Abilene, Kansas - Cattle - Oil - 1900 - 1981

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