Abilene, Texas’
history truly begins with the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Plus, ranchers
cleared the land with their herds. Abilene is part of Taylor County. Claiborne
W. Merchant, John Merchant, John N. Simpson, John T. Berry, and S. L. Chalk-met
and H. C. Whithers decided to make the railroad come through the town.
The town was named
after Abilene, Kansas. The Commanche once traversed the land after buffalo
herds. Formerly a cow town, Abilene, Texas developed an oil industry, light
manufacturing trade and agriculture center. In 1891, Abilene Electric Light and
Power began servicing the area. During 1923, West Texas Utilities was
established.
Abilene’s Dyess Air
Force Base was created in 1952. Abilene’s first major was Dan B. Corley.
The Abilene Blue
Sox attempted pro baseball during the 1950s. The PGA Tour accepted Abilene’s
LaJet Classic during 1981.
Abilene, Texas is
home to the Abilene Railroad Festival, the Western Heritage Classic and Ranch
Rodeo and the West Texas Fair and Rodeo.
