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Abilene, Texas

Located in Taylor County, Texas, Abilene was established in 1881. Abilene has three universities for a city its size — an unusually high concentration. Named after Abilene, Kansas, the famous cattle town at the end of the Chisholm Trail.

Founded 1881 | Population 133,136 | Peak 133,136 (2024) | County Taylor County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Abilene, Texas

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1881Railroad Town Founded: Texas and Pacific Railway creates cattle shipping point.

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1891Three Universities Founded: Abilene Christian, Hardin-Simmons, McMurry all established.

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1942Camp Barkeley and Dyess AFB: Military bases transform economy during WWII.

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1956Dyess Air Force Base Permanent: B-1 bomber base becomes permanent installation.

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2015Storybook Capital of Texas: Children's literature focus; downtown murals.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1881 Transport

Railroad Town Founded

1891 Culture

Three Universities Founded

1942 Government

Camp Barkeley and Dyess AFB

1956 Government

Dyess Air Force Base Permanent

2015 Culture

Storybook Capital of Texas

Did You Know?

Abilene has three universities for a city its size — an unusually high concentration.

Named after Abilene, Kansas, the famous cattle town at the end of the Chisholm Trail.

Dyess AFB is home to the B-1B Lancer bomber fleet.

Abilene is located in Taylor County, Texas.

Abilene was founded in 1881.

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