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 Texas : Towns A-Z / West Texas : Midland

MIDLAND, TEXAS

Midland County Seat, West Texas
I-20, Hwys 158 and 349
20 miles E of Odessa
18 miles W of Stanton
Halfway between El Paso and Fort Worth

Population: 94,996 (2000)

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Midland Texas skyline
Midland's skyline as seen from Wadley Barron Park.

Photo Courtesy James Rowland, 12-20-04

History in a Pecan Shell

There were too many Midways in Texas when the Texas and Pacific reached this spot in June of 1881. The post office made it Midland and that's the way it has remained.

Midland got their post office in 1884 and promoters convinced about 100 Midwest families to move here by 1885.

By 1900 the population was right around 1,000.

Midland suffered 3 fires in a brief period (1905-09).

A second railroad (the Midland and NW Line) ran off the Texas and Pacific and connected Midland with Seminole. (According to some sources the train crews had to open and shut cattle gates along the rails). By 1921 the M & NW railroad had gone out of business.

During WWII, the Army Air Corps opened a bombardier school from 1942-1945. It later evolved into the Midland-Odessa Airport.

Chinese Pavillion in Midland, Texas
Chinese Pavillion: A gift to Midland from Dong Ying, China, Midland's Sister City

Photo Courtesy James Rowland, 12-20-04

Midland Points of Interest

  • Midland County Courthouse
  • The Sibley Nature Center: 1307 E. Wadley (in Hogan Park)
    Please call for hours - 432-684-6827
  • Midland County Historical Museum: 301 W. Missouri
  • Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, Library and Hall of Fame
    1500 I-20 West
  • The Midland Downtown Lion's Club Fire Museum: 1500 W. Wall
  • American Airpower Heritage Museum and Confederate Air Force Headquarters: At the Midland International Airport
  • Yucca Theatre c. 1927
  • The Petroleum Building c. 1932

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  • Midland County Courthouse Midland TX
    "View of the courthouse from the 8th floor of the Hilton Hotel across the street. The Petroleum Building at top right." - Terry Jeanson, June 2006
    Midland Texas water tower



    Midland water tower
    Photo Courtesy Tom Hosier
    See Texas Water Towers

    Midland Tourist Information

  • Midland Chamber of Commerce
    109 N. Main, Midland, TX 79701, 1-800-624-6435
    http://www.midlandtxchamber.com/
  • The Midland Convention and Visitors Bureau
    109 N. Main. Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. 1.800.624.6435 CVBWebsite: www.visitmidlandtx.com
    http://www.ci.midland.tx.us/default.htm


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  • Midland Texas mural

    A mural in Midland
    Photo Courtesy Tom Hosier
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    Midland watertower and road
    The road to Midland
    Photo Courtesy Tom Hosier, 11-01
    A pumpjack in Midland Texas
    A pumpjack in Midland
    Photo Courtesy Tom Hosier
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    Midland Texas Forum
  • "You don't need to put bars on your windows - I'm from Vermont"
    Hi Folks, Came across your web site and found it very interesting. I'm a native of Hoosick Falls, NY now living in Schenectady, NY. I lived in Midland, Texas for 4 years from 1995 to 1980 and loved every minute of it. If I could I would go back there to live. I think the people of Texas are the nicest people I have ever met. Moved to Midland from New York State and when I first met my neighbor she thought about putting bars on her windows. But she quickly changed her mind. From then on I told people I was from Vermont. As a matter of fact, Barbara Bush, Sr. and I had the same pediatrician, Dr. Dorothy Wyvell. Many friends were made in Texas along with wonderful memories I will cherish forever. Now I'm going to sit here and remember for awhile. Regards, Eileen Jones, May 29, 2006

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