Abilene

 

(ăb'ĭlēn) City (1990 pop. 106,654), seat of Taylor co., W central Tex.; inc. 1882. Buffalo hunters first settled there; the town, which was founded in 1881 with the coming of the railroad, was named after Abilene, Kans. Abilene grew as a shipping point for cattle ranches and has become the financial, commercial, and educational center of a large part of W Texas. The city's diversified manufactures include electronic, aircraft, and missile components; oil-field and agricultural equipment; food and dairy products; clothing; metals; and musical instruments. Livestock (cattle, sheep, and poultry); agriculture (cotton, wheat, sorghum, and hay); and minerals (oil, natural gas, caliche, sand, gravel, and clays) are important to the area's economy. Regional petroleum industry headquarters are in Abilene, and Hardin-Simmons Univ., Abilene Christian Univ., and McMurry College are there.

City of Abilene
Nickname: The Friendly Frontier or The Key City
Location within the state of Texas
Coordinates: 32°26′47″N 99°44′44″W / 32.44639, -99.74556
Country	United States
State	Texas
Counties	Taylor, Jones
Government
- Mayor	Norm Archibald
Area
- City	sq mi (km²)
- Land	sq mi ( km²)
- Water	sq mi ( km²)
Elevation	ft ( m)
Population (2000)
- City
- Density	/sq mi (/km²)
Time zone	CST (UTC-6)
- Summer (DST)	CDT (UTC-5)
ZIP codes	79600-79699
Area code(s)	325
FIPS code	48-010002
GNIS feature ID	13291733
Website: http://www.abilenetx.com/

Abilene is a city in Taylor County, Texas, United States, in the central portion of the state. The population was 115,930 at the 2000 census. It is the principal city of the Abilene, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a 2006 estimated population of 158,063. It is the county seat of Taylor County.⁶ Dyess Air Force Base is located to the west of the city.

Abilene is located off Interstate 20, between exits 279 on its western edge and 292 on the east. Abilene is 150 miles west of Fort Worth, Texas The city is looped by I-20 to the north, US 277/83 on the west, and Loop 322 to the east. A railroad divides the city down the center into north and south. The downtown area is on the north side of the railroad.

The fastest-growing parts of the city are growing to the southwest, along Southwest Drive and Catclaw Drive, the Winters Freeway, and the Buffalo Gap Road corridor; the southeast, along Loop 322, Oldham Lane, Industrial Drive, and Maple Street; and in the northeast near the intersection of SH 351 and I-20. There are three lakes in the city, one on the western edge of Abilene Regional Airport, one on the southeast corner of US-83/84 & FM 322 interchange, and one in Jones County north of the city.

History

Established by cattlemen as a stock shipping point on the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1881, the city was named after Abilene, Kansas; the original endpoint for the Chisholm Trail. The city later became a major cattle-producing area with diversified farming. In recent years, petroleum has added great impetus to the city's economy. By 1900, 3,411 people lived in Abilene. 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.

Abilene has become the commercial, retail, medical, and transportation hub of a 19-county area known as "The Big Country" or the "Texas Midwest". By the end of 2005, commercial and residential development had reached record levels in and around the city. The city is now bustling with new subdivisions and shopping centers in the fastest-growing areas of town.

Geography and Climate

Abilene is located at 32°26′47″N, 99°44′44″W (32.446425, -99.745482),¹ 160 miles (257 km) west by south of Fort Worth.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 286.5 km² (110.6 mi²). 272.3 km² (105.1 mi²) of it is land and 14.2 km² (5.5 mi²) of it is water (4.95%).

Monthly Normal and Record High and Low Temperatures
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Rec High °F	89	93	97	99	109	109	110	109	107	103	92	89
Norm High °F	55.2	60.7	69.1	77.3	84.7	91.1	94.8	93.7	86.7	77.6	65.1	56.9
Norm Low °F	31.8	36.5	43.8	51.8	61	68.5	72.3	71.4	64.4	54.4	42.3	33.9
Rec Low °F	-9	-7	7	25	36	47	55	50	35	23	14	-7
Precip (in)	0.97	1.13	1.41	1.67	2.83	3.06	1.7	2.63	2.91	2.9	1.3	1.27
Source: USTravelWeather.com [1]

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 115,930 people, 2005 estimate placed the city's population at 120,021), 41,570 households, and 28,101 families residing in the city. The population density was 425.8/km² (1,102.7/mi²). There were 45,618 housing units at an average density of 167.5/km² (433.9/mi²). The ethnic makeup of the city was 78.07% White, 8.81% African American, 0.55% Native American, 1.33% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 8.73% from other races, and 2.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.45% of the population.

There were 41,570 households out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% are classified as non-families by the United States Census Bureau. Of 41,570 households, 1,709 are unmarried partner households: 1,577 heterosexual, 62 same-sex male, and 70 same-sex female households. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the city the population was spread out with 25.6% under the age of 18, 15.3% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 102.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,007, and the median income for a family was $40,028. Males had a median income of $28,078 versus $20,918 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,577. About 10.9% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Abilene has two school districts within the city limits, the Abilene Independent School District (AISD) and Wylie Independent School District (WISD). They are referred to jointly as the WAISD. The local high schools are Abilene High School and Cooper High School of AISD and Wylie High School of WISD. Opening in 2008, a new buliding in the Hardin-Simmons University campus will serve AISD high school students as a magnet school, Holland Medical High School, as well as HSU students as the Holland School of Sciences and Mathematics. The Holland Medical High School will be affiliated with Hendrick Medical Center which is across Ambler Avenue from the campus.

The city is also home to several higher education units, including three religiously affiliated private universities: Abilene Christian University (ACU), Hardin-Simmons University (HSU), and McMurry University (MMU), as well as the Abilene campus of Cisco Junior College, a West Texas campus of Texas State Technical College, and American Commercial College. In addition, a new Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy was recently built in north Abilene.

Abilene also ranked as the 17th city in the nation for high education in September/October of 2006.

Culture

The cultural aspects of Abilene center around a mix of the local college and university campuses, the agriculture community of the surrounding area, and the numerous evangelical churches present.

Abilene is also home to the restored Paramount Theatre, The Abilene Philharmonic Association, The Grace Museum, the Center for Contemporary Arts, The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, The Abilene Zoo, Frontier Texas, the 87th Armored Division Museum, Taylor County Coliseum, five libraries, twenty-six public parks, six television stations and several radio stations, including one National Public Radio station (89.7 KACU).

Abilene has one of the only competing and performing jump rope teams in the area, known as the "Jammin' Jumpers." They formed in 1996 and have been to the National Jump Rope Championships in Walt Disney World 3 times: in 2001, 2003, and 2005.

The city's main newspaper is the Abilene Reporter-News. George Hamilton IV had a country and pop hit in 1963 with a song about the city, simply entitled "Abilene."

Events

The West Texas Fair & Rodeo, held annually for ten days in mid-September, features exhibits and amusements reflecting early days of Abilene, plus modern attractions of West Texas.

The Western Heritage Classic in early May features ranch rodeo, campfire cook-off, sheepdog trials, farrier competition, Cowboy Poets Society, a Western art show and many other activities.

The first weekend in April features Abilene Founder's Day (formerly known as Celebrate Abilene), an outdoor festival held in the historic downtown area bringing the arts, history, railroad and family entertainment.

On every second Thursday evening of the month, Artwalk is held in downtown Abilene. During Artwalk all the local museums are free, the Paramount theater shows an "art film," local musicians and performers busk, and several crafters and artists set up booths and sell their wares.

There are also several special-interest conventions, festivals, and shows scattered throughout the year, including the Abilene Gem and Mineral Show, the West Texas Book and Music Festival, the Abilene Gun and Knife Show, the Friends of the Abilene Public Library book sale, and the Erinshire Folk Festival. The Erinshire Folk Festival is an annual event started in 2003 and is held at Erinshire Gardens. The purpose of the festival is to spotlight Abilene-area musicians and original music. Another annual local event is the "Cruise Night" parade of classic and modern sports cars held each September.

Also of note is the annual Abilene High vs. Cooper High football game, the Crosstown Showdown, usually held near Halloween. Two of these games, in 2001 and 2002, were for the district championship and were called the “Showdown at Shotwell” games played at Shotwell Stadium.

Growth

Rapid residential and commercial growth has come to Abilene within the last few years and still continues to this day. Subdivisions have been created in different spots, mostly concentrated in 3 main areas of town, creating a strong housing market in Abilene. To reflect that, shopping centers and new businesses have also been constructed in certain parts of the city, developing some new retail and housing centers. Some subdivions have been expanded while some shopping centers have seen new shops replacing old businesses. These new developments show that a strong growth trend for the area has begun, but an excessive expansion is not likely to happen in Abilene, unlike in other cities of similar size.

New and Expanding Subdivisions

• Newly constructed subdivisions
• Established subdivisions that are now expanding

Buffalo Gap Road/Rebecca Ln/Winters Freeway corridor

• Silver Oaks, off of Buffalo Gap Rd.
• Rio Mesa, also off of Buffalo Gap Rd.
• Indian Trails, off of Antilley Rd. near Buffalo Gap Rd.
• Pebble Beach Estates, also off of Antilley Rd.
• Bella Vista Estates, at Buffalo Gap Rd. and Beltway S
• Tuscany Trails, off of Beltway S
• 707 Ranch off of Beltway S (FM 707)
• The Villages at Abilene, off of S Clack St north of Antilley Rd
• Greystone Estates, south of Catclaw Dr and Chimney Rock Rd

Loop 322/FM 1750 in southeast Abilene

• Parkside Place, off of Maple St.
• Lone Star Ranch, off of Loop 322 near Industrial Blvd.
• Vaquero Ranch, off of Oldham Ln.
• Indian Wells, also off of Oldham Ln.
• South Lytle neighborhood south of E Industrial Blvd.
• Tuscany Village, between Loop 322 and Oldham Ln, north of E Industrial Blvd
• Oldham Forbes, off of Oldham Ln west of Lytle Lake

SH 351(Ambler Avenue) at Interstate 20

• Heritage Parks
• The Enclave, branching from Heritage Parks
• Wildlife Trails, off of Griffith Rd. near SH 351

New Shopping Centers & Businesses

Southwest Drive/Buffalo Gap Road/Winters Freeway Corridor

• Shops at Abilene - This shopping center includes the following stores, many of which are new to Abilene: Bed Bath & Beyond, Michael's, Ross Dress for Less, Shoe Carnival, rue 21, Lifeway Christian Store, PetSmart, Sally Beauty Supply, Old Navy, Goody's, Super Suppers, Catherine's Plus Sizes, Al's Formal Wear, David's Bridal, Smoothie King, Red Robin, EB Games, at&t, Cold Stone Creamery, Sport Clips, and Payless Shoe Source, among others
• Abilene Marketplace (still being constructed), which includes Kohl's (just opened)
• Rosa's Cafè & Tortilla Factory
• Chick-Fil-A
• Logan's Roadhouse
• Holiday Inn Express
• Aaron's Rental
• Dollar General
• Ashley Furniture Homestore
• Lithia Toyota of Abilene (opens Oct. 26, 2007)
• Zookini's
• Dollar Tree
• Jason's Deli
• Hilton Garden Inn (opens early 2008)
• Comfort Suites

Loop 322 Area

• Prime Time Family Entertainment Center (just opened)
• Skyline Oven and Grill Restaurant (just opened)
• Lone Star Outpost Retail Center - A small shopping center that includes several local stores
• 7-Eleven at Oldham Ln.
• 7-Eleven at Industrial Blvd.

SH 351(Ambler Avenue) at Interstate 20

• Wal-Mart Supercenter
• Abilene Corners Shopping Center, whose tenants include Dollar Tree and Cato Fashion
• Chili's
• Enterprise Plaza, a master-planned retail area
• Lowe's, the first business of Enterprise Plaza (just opened)
• A₂Z Self-Storage
• Comfort Suites
• Holiday Inn Express
• Cracker Barrel
• Strip mall in front of Wal-Mart, includes Game Stop plus Movies, Sally Beauty Supply, Radio Shack, and other stores
• Residence Inn by Mariott (opening 2008)

Major Highways

Interstates

• Interstate 20
• Business Loop 20

US Highways

• US 80
• US 83
• US 84
• US 277

Texas State Routes

• TX 36
• Loop 322
• TX 351

Farm to Market Roads

• FM 89 (Buffalo Gap Road)
• FM 600
• FM 707 (Beltway South)

Urban Roads

• UR 18
• UR 3438

Famous People from Abilene

• Coby Archa, Survivor cast member
• Sammy Baugh, quarterback for Washington Redskins, first head coach of the New York Titans, now the Jets^[1]
• Ray Berry, linebacker for Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks 1987-93. Played collegiately at Baylor University — Cooper High School^{[citation needed]}
• Jess Cagle, journalist^{[citation needed]}
• Tim Bright, three-time Olympic athlete — graduate of ACU^[2]
• Randall "Tex" Cobb, prize fighter, and actor
• Charles Coody, Masters-winning professional golfer (from Stamford and Abilene) — graduate of ACU^[1]
• Roy Crane, Nationally syndicated cartoonist (Wash Tubbs, Captain Easy, Buz Sawyer)
• Sonny Cumbie, quarterback for the Los Angeles Avengers^[3] Played collegiately at Texas Tech
• Bonnie Curtis, film producer and assistant to film director Steven Spielberg — graduate of ACU
• Shae D'Lyn, television actress
• Bob Estes, PGA golfer
• Megan Ewing, supermodel
• Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, country musicians
• Stedman Graham, motivational speaker (longtime boyfriend of Oprah Winfrey) — played basketball for HSU
• Carol Hall, composer/lyricist, wrote music for Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
• Andy Holmes, author/illustrator and creator, writer & performer of Gerbert puppet and television series
• Jonathan Johnson, current 800m state record holder—now Olympic qualifying professional mid-distance runner — graduate of AHS
• Cris Judd, married Jennifer Lopez
• John Lackey, starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
• John "Bradshaw" Layfield, professional wrestler and radio show host — graduate of ACU
• Cle Montgomery, professional football player with the Oakland Raiders — played for ACU^[1]
• Wilbert Montgomery, professional football player with the Philadelphia Eagles — played for ACU^[1]
• Paige Moss, television actress — born in Abilene
• Clint Norris, bassist and back-up vocalist for the Christian metal band As I Lay Dying.
• Deirdre Lovejoy, film actress
• Billy Olson, Olympic pole vaulter (1988 Summer Olympics, U.S. team for boycotted 1980 Summer Olympics); held several world records, including first 19-foot indoor pole vault — vaulted for AHS and ACU^{[4][2][5][6][1]}
• Ty O'Neal, Rodeo cowboy and film actor
• Terry Orr, former tight end of the Washington Redskins — played for CHS^[1]
• Caryl Mack Parker, country singer^{[citation needed]}
• Fess Parker, Hardin-Simmons University. Played football at HSU before transferring to University of Texas. Starred in TV series Daniel Boone (1964-1970).
• Lee Roy Parnell, country musician
• Gary Perkins, radio broadcaster
• Jamison Priest, folk/Americana trio, singers and songwriters^[7]
• Dominic Rhodes, running back for the Oakland Raiders
• Jessica Simpson, singer, actor — born in Abilene
• Justin Snow, long snapper for the Indianapolis Colts
• Diane Stanley, children's book author^{[citation needed]}
• Hollis Thomas, NFL defensive tackle
• Ann Wedgeworth, actress^[8]
• Duane Whitaker, film actor
• Mason Williams, guitarist and composer
• Terry Berry,(A.K.A. Hot Pants Larry) the guy with short shorts and high socks, everyone knows him in town, local legend

References

External links

• Abilene, TX City Webpage
• The Grace Museum
• Abilene Police Department
• Abilene Fire Department
• Abilene Public Library
• Abilene.com
• MyAbilene.com
• Abilene Area Parks
• Open Directory: Abilene
• Prime Time Family Entertainment Center

Newspapers & Media

• The Abilene Reporter News
• KTAB-TV (CBS)
• KRBC-TV (NBC)
• KTXS-TV (ABC)
• KXVA (FOX)
• KEYJ Rock 108 (Active/Alternative Rock)
• 100.7 The Eagle (Classic Rock)
• Power 103.7 FM (KCDD-FM) (Top 40/CHR)
• 99.7 KBCY (KBCY-FM)( Texas' Best Country)
• 102 The Bear (KHXS-FM) (Classic Rock)
• 98.1 FM, 98X (KTLT-FM) (Alternative Rock)
• KEAN 105.1 (KEAN-FM) Country's Number 1 Country
• 95*Q (KORQ-FM 95.1) (Top 40 / CHR)
• 96.1 (KNCE-FM) (Variety Hits)

Colleges & Universities

• Abilene Christian University
• American Commercial College
• Cisco Junior College
• Hardin-Simmons University
• McMurry University
• Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (formerly the Abilene Intercollegiate School of Nursing)
• Texas Tech University at Abilene
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy Abilene Campus
• Texas State Technical College

Coordinates: 32.446425° N 99.745482° W

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