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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

Mar 5, 2026
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Oregon Democratic senators have unanimously blocked a bill that would have mandated state authorities to notify U.S. Immigration a…
Jan 1, 2016
Mother Claims her 3 Sons Were Kicked Out of School Because of her Onlyfans Account
A Texas mother sparked outrage in early 2016 when she accused her sons’ school of expelling the three boys over her work on …
Dec 18, 2015
Controversy Sparked Over Texas Sandwich Shop Sign Photo
TEXAS — Back in December 2015, a simple photo of a sign outside a small sandwich shop in the Dallas area set off a wave of outra…
Nov 9, 2015
Cruz Presidents Should Start Every Day Prayer
WASHINGTON — On November 9, 2015, Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz stirred up conversation with a bold suggestion that…
Oct 23, 2015
Military Veteran Biker Group Takes Action when Squatters Steal Soldiers
In a small Texas town back in October 2015, a group of military veteran bikers stepped in to protect one of their own when squatte…
Oct 20, 2015
Bride Set Fire her Husband After she Sleeps Ex Flame
In a quiet suburb outside Dallas, Texas — where life usually unfolds with the predictability of suburban sprawl — a wedding ni…

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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D
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A
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FW
Fort Worth
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EP
El Paso
Pop. 682,893
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