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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…
May 18, 2016
Trump Cruz Mathematically Out Race
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May 18, 2016
Wife Sentenced 1590 Years Prison Husband Gets 750 Years
In a Texas courtroom, justice came down hard on May 18, 2016, when a wife received a staggering 1,590-year prison sentence for her…
May 5, 2016
Court Rules Against Obamas Executive Action Protect Undocumented
Washington, May 5, 2016 – A federal appeals court struck down President Barack Obama’s key executive actions on immigratio…
Apr 13, 2016
More Syrian Refugees Come America New Graph Shows Where Refugees Are
Washington, D.C. | April 13, 2016 The U.S. saw a noticeable uptick in Syrian refugees arriving on its shores in recent months, sti…
Apr 4, 2016
Autistic Boys Mom Surprised how Tgi Fridays Treated Them Photos
HOUSTON, April 4, 2016 — A Texas mom got more than she expected during a routine family outing last week, turning what could hav…

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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