The History of Abilene
Step Back in Time
The word "Abilene" means grassy plain. It came originally from the Bible, third chapter of Luke, the name of a Mid-East tetrarchy.
When the town was established in 1881 it was named after the famous cattle shipping center Abilene, Kansas.
Taylor County
In 1878, Taylor County was formed from the Bexar (San Antonio) and Travis (Austin) land districts with Buffalo Gap being named the county seat. The county was named for the Edward, James and George Taylor, brothers who fought and died at the Alamo.
The Song
Songwriter Bob Gibson, came up with the 1956 tune, never even laying eyes on Abilene until several months before the city’s centennial in 1981 when he came here with the Kerrville Folk Singers.
"I sit alone most every night, I watch those trains pull out of sight.
Don't I wish they were carrying me back to Abilene, my Abilene."
Chorus: "Abilene, Abilene, prettiest town I've ever seen. Women there don't treat you mean, in Abilene, my Abilene."
Western Cattle Trail
The Western Cattle Trail (from 1876 to 1877) was the main route for several hundred thousand longhorn cattle being driven north to stock ranches & Indian reservations and to supply the northern beef markets.
Historic Dates
1876
January
One of the last Indian fights occurs. With the area more secure, large numbers of settlers begin to arrive.
1881
January 13
The Texas and Pacific railroad tracks reach Abilene.
February
The U.S. Post Office opens and the first 'official' train arrives.
March 15th
A town lot auction is held and Abilene is ""born."" By the end of the next day, 317 lots are sold for the sum of $51,360.
1883
January 2nd
The city incorporates. It boasts two newspapers, numerous churches and a public school. Abilene now has enough people to petition for an election to move the county seat from Buffalo Gap.
October 23rd
Abilene wins the county seat election by a landslide. This stabilizes the area and brings new enterprises to town. Today Abilene is the center of a 22 county trade area.