Region: Panhandle Plains
Established by cattlemen as a stock shipping point on Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1881, named for Abilene, Kan. The city later became major cattle producing area with diversified farming. In recent years, oil has added great impetus to the city's economy. 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. Cultural aspects influenced by Abilene Christian Univ., Hardin-Simmons Univ. and McMurry Univ., Texas Tech School of Pharmacy and Texas Tech School of Excellence, branches of Cisco Junior College and Texas State Technical College; community theater, community band, regional ballet company and philharmonic orchestra.
Abilene is home to the Forts Trail Regional Office at 3702 Loop 322. The West Texas Fair, in mid-September, features exhibits and amusements from the early days of Abilene, plus modern attractions of West Texas.
The Western Heritage Classic in early May features ranch rodeo, chuck-wagon cook-off, cowboy poets, Western art show, children's activities and more.
Abilene lies on U.S. 84, a segment of the Ports-to-Plains Highway connecting the state's heartland to coastal ports, as well as on U.S. 83, 277 and I-20.