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

Top 10 Most Important Events for Abilene, Texas

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1881 Railroad Town Founded: Texas and Pacific Railway creates cattle shipping point.
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1891 Three Universities Founded: Abilene Christian, Hardin-Simmons, McMurry all established.
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1942 Camp Barkeley and Dyess AFB: Military bases transform economy during WWII.
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1956 Dyess Air Force Base Permanent: B-1 bomber base becomes permanent installation.
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2015 Storybook Capital of Texas: Children's literature focus; downtown murals.
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Latest News in Abilene

Jan 1, 1970
Wheel of Fortune Contestant Wins $62,000 After Solving This Easy Puzzle
A single letter choice ended up making the difference between walking away with a strong cash total—and missing out on a brand-n…
Jan 1, 1970
She Had To Sleep In Her Car After Her House Burned Down But Today She’s A Household Name
Kelly Clarkson has established a career marked by powerful vocals, down-to-earth humor, and an uncommon gift for resonating with f…
Jan 1, 1970
Wheel of Fortune Contestant Loses $60K After Failing To Solve This Tough Bonus Round Puzzle
A “Wheel of Fortune” contestant came within outstanding distance of a major payday this week, only to walk away empty-handed a…
Jan 1, 1970
He Had Severe Asthma And Was Called ‘Odd’ Growing Up But He Became One Of America’s Biggest Stars
Long before rock legends dominated stadiums and social media created overnight stars, Ricky Nelson was already one of America’s …
Jan 1, 1970
Man Who Survived Cancer Reveals Dramatic Transformation After Investing $70,000 In Body Tattoos, Including On His Eyeballs
In a jaw-dropping display of individuality, TikTok sensation Quest Gulliford, a cancer survivor with an extensive collection of ta…
Jan 1, 1970
Contestant Misses Out On $1 Million Due To This Brutal ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Puzzle
A recent episode of Wheel of Fortune left fans stunned when a contestant froze during a high-stakes Bonus Round — with a potenti…

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?

1
Abilene has three universities for a city its size — an unusually high concentration.
2
Named after Abilene, Kansas, the famous cattle town at the end of the Chisholm Trail.
3
Dyess AFB is home to the B-1B Lancer bomber fleet.
4
Abilene is located in Taylor County, Texas.
5
Abilene was founded in 1881.

Famous People from Abilene, Texas

JS
Jessica Simpson
Actor, Singer · Born Jul 10, 1980 · Age 45
VP
Vinnie Paul
Record Producer, Drummer · Born Mar 11, 1964 · Died Jun 22, 2018 (age 54)
RG
Ryan Guzman
Model, Dancer · Born Sep 21, 1987 · Age 38
BS
Bill Sharman
Coach, Basketball Player · Born May 25, 1926 · Died Oct 25, 2013 (age 87)
JH
Jim Hall
Formula One Driver · Born Jul 23, 1935 · Age 90

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