Built by design as a result of the Texas & Pacific Railroad’s expansion efforts, Abilene Texas sprang up in the early 1880′s. From its beginning, Abilene was a successful railroad town becoming incorporated in 1882, and also becoming the county seat of Taylor County in the same year.

In the 1880′s the Texas & Pacific was pushing its way steadily through Texas. There was a desire for the line to extend west from Fort Worth deeper into Texas, but in order to do so, there had to be towns along the line to support the railroad with stock yards and businesses. So, in 1881 the T & P decided to build Abilene. The railroad sponsored an elaborate advertising campaign that culminated with a special train trip on March 14, 1881 to show off the future location of what it called “A Great Western City”. The next day, city lots were put up for sale and Abilene Texas was officially born.

Today, railroad tracks bisect Abilene, serving as a reminder of the town’s heritage, but what was once a railroad stop has become much more. With a population of 150,000, several universities, thriving businesses and an excellent educational system Abilene is a successful and modern Texas city.