ABILENE

Population 107,707

Altitude 1,738

General

Established by cattlemen as stock shipping point on Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1881, named for Abilene, Kansas, the original end point of the Old Chisholm Trail; later became a 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, a demonstration of oil-drilling rig was set up 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 are influenced by Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University, branches of Cisco Junior College and Texas State Technical College; community theater and a philharmonic association and fine arts museum.

The West Texas Fair, 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, sheep dog trials, farrier competition, Cowboy Poet's Society, Western art show, and many other activities recalling early Western heritage.

The Buffalo Gap Art Festival has combined with the Railroad Festival to become "Celebrate Abilene". It's the first weekend in April and is held in historic downtown Abilene.

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.

ABILENE SATE PARK

ABILENE ZOO

CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS

Attractions

ABILENE SATE PARK - 621 acre parkland near Lake Abilene; camping, trailer facilities, picnicking, shelters, swimming pool, rest rooms and showers, hiking and fishing. Large grove of some 4,000 native pecan trees, now a favorite picnic area, was a once a popular campground for Comanche Indians. About 15 miles southwest on F.M. 89. Admission.
ABILENE ZOO - One of the five largest in the state'; animals are displayed in modern areas simulating natural habitat. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (7 p.m. holidays and weekends in summer).
Discovery Center is a "zoo within a zoo," housing comparative habitat displays of invertebrates, fish, reptiles, birds, and small mammals from the Southwestern U.S. and Africa. In Nelson Park, about 3 miles east of the city on Texas 36 across form West Texas Fairgrounds. Admission.
CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS - Working artists have studios displaying rotating exhibits. Open from Tues. to Sat. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 220 Cypress
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE - Strategic Air Command base. Dyess Linear Air Par of vintage aircraft includes 31 World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War planes. Aircraft are displayed along Arnold Blvd, main base thoroughfare. Open during daylight hours. Visitors must stop at main entrance for a temporary pass. (note: Base may be closed temporarily during occasional military exercises.) For extensive base tours to flight lines, reservations must be prearranged with Public Affairs Office, 915-696-5609. Loop 312 south of Business Loop I-20/U.S. 84.
FORT PHANTOM HILL - Established in 1851 to protect the frontier form Indians, the office suffered a series of hardships; was abandoned in 1854. Historians say desertions were frequent due to monotony and loneliness. The fort burned shortly after abandonment; chimneys and foundations are principal remainders along with the stone commissary, guardhouse, and powder magazine. Site offers interpretive signs. 10 miles north via F.M. 600.
LAKES - Local Lake Kirby within city offers fishing and picnic sites. For information on Lakes Abilene, Fort Phantom Hill check with the Chamber of Commerce.
MUSEUMS OF ABILENE - Comprised of the Fine Arts Museum, Abilene Historical Museum and the Children's Museum; now in historic Grace Hotel, known as the Grace Cultural Center. The Grace, built in 1909, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and portions are restored to its 1929 condition, while other parts of the building have been renovated to make it appropriate for the Museums; use. Free admission on Thur. 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Open Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Thur. until 8:30 p.m.)102 Cypress Street. Admission

MERCHANTS

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