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49-450: The trail system forms a loop that runs from Abilene to Lubbock and Amarillo , around to Canadian and Shamrock , and back to Abilene. 33°N 100°W  /  33°N 100°W  / 33; -100 This article related to a protected area in Texas is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This United States trail or long-distance path–related article

98-638: A molten salt research reactor for which it plans to achieve criticality by December 2025. Formerly a charter member of the Division I Southland Conference , Abilene Christian joined the Lone Star Conference (LSC) of Division II of the NCAA in 1973. In 2007, the LSC included 33 ACU current and former student athletes in its 75-member all-sports team commemorating the conference's 75th anniversary. Through 2009, ACU

147-448: A bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 16.5% of the population. 23.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 13.4% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 98.3 males. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that

196-483: A base here. For decades, Dyess Air Force Base has been the city's largest employer, with 6076 employees in 2007. From 1950 to 1960, Abilene's population nearly doubled, from 45,570 to 90,638. In 1960, a second high school was added to the city's school system, Cooper High School . In 1966, the Abilene Zoo was established near Abilene Regional Airport . The following year, one of the most important bond elections in

245-633: A mix of the local college and university campuses, the agriculture community of the surrounding area, and a growing nightlife scene in the downtown area. Abilene is also home to the restored Paramount Theatre , the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, the Grace Museum , the Center for Contemporary Arts, the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature , The Abilene Zoo , Frontier Texas!,

294-552: A stock shipping point on the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1881, the city was named after Abilene, Kansas , the original endpoint for the Chisholm Trail . The T&P had bypassed the town of Buffalo Gap , the county seat at the time. Eventually, a landowner north of Buffalo Gap, Clabe Merchant, known as the father of Abilene, chose the name for the new town. According to a Dallas newspaper, about 800 people had already begun camping at

343-606: A three-to-one vote, they won the county election to do so. In 1888, the Progressive Committee was formed to attract businesses to the area, and in 1890 renamed itself as the Board of Trade. By 1900, 3,411 people lived in Abilene. In that decade, the Board of Trade changed its name to the 25,000 Club, in the hope of reaching a population of 25,000 by the next census. By 1910, though, the population had increased only to 9,204. Another group

392-617: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Abilene, Texas Abilene ( / ˈ æ b ɪ l iː n / AB -i-leen ) is a city in Taylor and Jones counties, Texas , United States. Its population was 125,182 at the 2020 census . It is the principal city of the Abilene metropolitan statistical area , which had a population of 176,579 as of 2020. Abilene is home to three Christian universities: Abilene Christian University , McMurry University , and Hardin–Simmons University . It

441-660: Is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). ACU Graduate School of Theology is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). ACU is one of only seven faith-based institutions with a press. ACU Press, founded in 1983 to print books about Churches of Christ theology, is now a member of the Association of American University Presses , printing books about Christian Higher Education , West Texas History and Christian Living as well as theology . Along with its trade imprint, Leafwood Publishers ,

490-604: Is fourth in NCAA history in team national championships won with 57, trailing Division I schools UCLA, Stanford, and USC, and tied with Division III school Kenyon College. In 2012, Abilene Christian received NCAA permission to compete in Division I FCS football and was under consideration for reattachment to the Southland Conference. On August 25, 2012, Abilene Christian's board of trustees accepted Southland's invitation to rejoin

539-606: Is home to six colleges, three of which are religiously affiliated. Hardin–Simmons University is the oldest, founded in 1891. Abilene Christian University is the largest with 2012 undergraduate enrollment at 4,371. The Texas Legislature designated Taylor County as being in the Cisco Junior College District, while it designated Jones County as being in the Western Texas College District . Hendrick Medical Center includes two large hospital campuses on

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588-673: Is in the Abilene Independent School District (AISD), while portions extend into Wylie Independent School District (WISD), Eula Independent School District and Merkel Independent School District . Within Jones County, most of Abilene is in AISD, while portions extend into Clyde Consolidated Independent School District and Hawley Independent School District . High schools include Abilene High School and Cooper High School of AISD, and Wylie High School of WISD. Abilene

637-415: Is served by Abilene Regional Airport . Abilene Christian University Abilene Christian University ( ACU ) is a private Christian university in Abilene, Texas . It was founded in 1906 as Childers Classical Institute . It is affiliated with Churches of Christ . The Churches of Christ in Abilene founded it as a Christian university for West Texas . Childers Classical Institute opened in

686-407: Is the county seat of Taylor County. Dyess Air Force Base is located on the west side of the city. Abilene is located on Interstate 20 , which forms a rounded bypass loop along the northern side of the city, between exits 279 on its western edge and 292 on the east. The city is located 150 miles (240 km) west of Fort Worth . Multiple freeways form a loop surrounding the city's core: I-20 on

735-485: The Central Great Plains ecoregion. By the end of 2005, commercial and residential development had reached record levels in and around the city. Abilene is located in northeastern Taylor County. The city limits extend north into Jones County. Interstate 20 leads east 149 miles (240 km) to Fort Worth and west 148 miles (238 km) to Midland . Three U.S. highways pass through the city. US 83 runs west of

784-754: The Council on Social Work Education , the Education programs are accredited by Teacher Education Accreditation Council and the Marriage and Family Therapy programs are accredited by Commission on the Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education . The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. The ACU School of Nursing

833-488: The United States Census Bureau , Abilene has a total area of 112.2 sq mi (290.6 km ), of which 106.8 sq mi (276.6 km ) are land and 5.4 sq mi (14.0 km ) are covered by water (4.82%). The water area is mainly from three reservoirs in the city: Lytle Lake , southeast of downtown on the western edge of Abilene Regional Airport , Kirby Lake on the southeastern corner of

882-552: The 12th Armored Division Museum, the Taylor County Expo Center, the Abilene Convention Center, six libraries (three private, three public), 26 public parks, six television stations, a daily newspaper, and several radio stations, including one NPR station (89.5 KACU). The Abilene Reporter-News is the primary daily newspaper of the city of Abilene and the surrounding Big Country area. The city of Abilene

931-416: The 2000 census, the median income for a household in the city was $ 33,007, and for a family was $ 40,028. Males had a median income of $ 28,078 versus $ 20,918 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 16,577. About 10.9% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over. At the 2020 American Community Survey ,

980-688: The US 83/84 and Loop 322 interchange, and Lake Fort Phantom Hill in Jones County in northern Abilene. Clear Creek runs through the city just east of downtown, flowing north to Elm Creek and ultimately part of the Brazos River watershed. The fastest-growing sections of the city are in the southwest, along Southwest Drive, the Winters Freeway, and the Buffalo Gap Road corridor; the southeast, along Loop 322, Oldham Lane, Industrial Drive, and Maple Street; and in

1029-731: The University in marketing itself as a national university. ACU is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools . ACU's business programs are professionally accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET , the Social Work programs are accredited by

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1078-401: The age of 18 and 9.5% of those ages 65 or over. As of the census of 2000, 115,930 people, 41,570 households, and 28,101 families resided in the city. The population density was 1,102.7 inhabitants per square mile (425.8/km ). The 45,618 housing units averaged 433.9 units per square mile (167.5 units/km ). As of the 2010 census, Abilene had a population of 117,063. In 2020, its population

1127-422: The base closed after World War II, many worried that Abilene could become a ghost town , but as the national economy boomed, many veterans returned to start businesses in Abilene. In the early 1950s, to advocate for an Air Force base, residents raised US$ 893,261 (equivalent to about $ 10,485,510 in 2023) to purchase 3,400 acres (14 km ) of land. The southern block of congressmen gained approval for such

1176-462: The city center, leading north 24 miles (39 km) to Anson and south 55 miles (89 km) to Ballinger . US 84 runs with US 83 through the southwestern part of the city but leads southeast 52 miles (84 km) to Coleman and west with I-20 40 miles (64 km) to Sweetwater . US 277 follows US 83 around the northwestern side of the city and north to Anson, but heads southwest from Abilene 89 miles (143 km) to San Angelo . According to

1225-943: The city's 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Abilene's top employers are: The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) operates the Abilene District Parole Office in the city. The Robertson Unit prison and the Middleton Unit transfer unit are in Abilene and in Jones County . The United States Postal Service operates the Abilene Post Office and the Abilene Southern Hills Post Office. On June 17, 2017, Abilene elected its first African-American mayor, Anthony Williams. As of 2020 , within Taylor County, most of Abilene

1274-711: The city's history passed for the funding of the construction of the Abilene Civic Center and the Taylor County Coliseum, as well as major improvements to Abilene Regional Airport. In 1969, the Woodson elementary and high school for black students closed as the city integrated its school system, more than 10 years after the US Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) that segregation of public schools

1323-581: The conference effective with the start of the 2013-14 academic year. On Wednesday, August 23, 2017, the NCAA Board of Directors voted to pass ACU through to full Division I status, thus making them eligible for postseason play. In 2021, ACU left the Southland for the Western Athletic Conference . After the 2022 football season, ACU football joined the newly formed United Athletic Conference ,

1372-403: The fall of 1906, with 25 students. It initially included a lower school starting in the seventh grade. When Jesse P. Sewell became president of the institute in 1912, the school began using Abilene Christian College on all its printed material. In 1920, the school formally changed the name. The Optimist , the university's student-produced newspaper, was founded in 1912. The Prickly Pear ,

1421-416: The first black student to enroll. The university currently bars employees, but not students, from dating people of the same sex. In 2016 the university recognized Voice, an LGBT student association. In 2022, ACU announced major changes to the academic structure that resulted in the creation of three new colleges. While the total number of colleges went unchanged, the reorganization was implemented to assist

1470-403: The late 20th century, Abilene succeeded in gaining branches of Texas State Technical College and Cisco College. Headquarters of the latter institution are located in the city. In 1940, Abilene raised the money to purchase land to attract establishment of a U.S. Army base southwest of town. It was named Camp Barkeley . When fully operational, it was twice the size of Abilene, with 60,000 men. When

1519-483: The median household income in the city was $ 52,518. The mean household income was $ 70,807. The economy in Abilene was originally based on the livestock and agricultural sectors, but is now based strongly on government, education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The petroleum industry is prevalent in the surrounding area, also. The city has established incentives to bring new businesses to the area, including job training grants, relocation grants, and more. According to

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1568-419: The median household income was $ 52,518 (with a margin of error of +/- $ 2,091) and the median family income was $ 67,079 (+/- $ 3,258). Males had a median income of $ 32,038 (+/- $ 1,216) versus $ 22,765 (+/- $ 1,577) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $ 27,110 (+/- $ 739). Approximately, 9.9% of families and 15.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 18.8% of those under

1617-477: The north and south sides of Abilene, and is one of the city's largest employers. It is one of seven healthcare institutions affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas . The Presbyterian Medical Care Mission was founded in 1983 as a medical and dental clinic. Its services are focused to low-income individuals and families without insurance. The cultural aspects of Abilene revolve around

1666-460: The north, US 83/84/277 on the west, and Loop 322 to the east. The former Texas and Pacific Railway , now part of the Union Pacific mainline, divides the city into well-established north and south zones. The historic downtown area is on the north side of the railroad, while the growing south of downtown Abilene "SODA" district is located on the south side of the tracks. Established by cattlemen as

1715-588: The northeast near the intersection of SH 351 and I-20. Many developments have begun in these three areas within the last few years with a citywide focus on the reinvigoration of downtown Abilene. According to the Köppen climate classification , Abilene lies at the edge of a humid subtropical climate , with areas to the west being semiarid . Notable and historical buildings in Abilene include: The 2020 United States census counted 125,182 people, 46,134 households, and 29,111 families in Abilene. The population density

1764-452: The press publishes an average of 36 titles per year. Among its notable authors are Rubel Shelly , Rick Ostrander , Darryl Tippens , Edward Fudge , Larry M. James and Walt McDonald . The school established an NPR station, KACU , in 1986. Initially, the community was concerned that the school might use the station for proselytizing , and for the station's first ten years, an advisory board composed of community members served to monitor

1813-469: The school yearbook, was founded in 1916. The campus literary-arts magazine (now The Shinnery Review , formerly The Pickwicker ) has been in production since 1933. Abilene Christian College first received school accreditation in 1951, when it became an accredited member of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools . Amberton University , previously Amber University,

1862-532: The station against this possibility. The Optimist, a converged student media operation, produces student-led news media. On October 18, 2008, the school hosted a live broadcast of Minnesota Public Radio's long-running A Prairie Home Companion radio show from the campus' Moody Coliseum. In August 2022 the ACU applied to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a construction licence for

1911-423: The townsite before the lots were sold. The town was laid out by Colonel J. Stoddard Johnson, and the auction of lots began early on March 15, 1881. By the end of the first day, 139 lots were sold for a total of $ 23,810, and another 178 lots were sold the next day for $ 27,550. Abilene was incorporated soon after being founded in 1881, and residents began to set their sights on bringing the county seat to Abilene. In

1960-543: Was 1,173.6 per square mile (453.1/km ). There were 51,508 housing units at an average density of 482.9 units per square mile (186.4 units/km ). The racial makeup was 64.95% (81,300) white or European American (56.23% non-Hispanic white ), 10.39% (13,012) black or African-American , 0.89% (1,114) Native American or Alaska Native , 2.22% (2,785) Asian , 0.14% (170) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian , 9.26% (11,590) from other races , and 12.15% (15,211) from two or more races . Hispanic or Latino of any race

2009-404: Was 125,182 people, 46,134 households, and 29,111 families residing in the city. In 2000, the racial makeup of the city was 78.07% white, 8.81% African American, 0.55% Native American, 1.33% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 8.73% from other races, and 2.44% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 19.45% of the population. The racial and ethnic makeup of the population in 2010

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2058-431: Was 26.87% (33,634) of the population. Of the 46,134 households, 31.1% had children under the age of 18; 43.6% were married couples living together; 29.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 29.8% of households consisted of individuals and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.1. The percent of those with

2107-477: Was 62.4% non-Hispanic White, 9.6% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% non-Hispanic reporting some other race, 3.3% of two or more races, and 24.5% Hispanic or Latino. By 2020, its racial and ethnic composition was 56.23% non-Hispanic white, 9.78% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 2.14% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 0.31% some other race, 4.16% multiracial, and 26.87% Hispanic or Latino of any race. At

2156-449: Was built at Loop 322 and Industrial Boulevard. Simultaneously, subdivisions and businesses started locating along the freeway, on the same side as the CJC campus. This area attracted Abilene growth on the loop. Abilene has become the commercial, retail, medical, and transportation hub of a 19-county area more commonly known as "The Big Country", but also known as the "Texas Midwest". It is part of

2205-505: Was changed to Abilene Christian University . The university celebrated its centennial in the 2005–06 school year. In July 2015, the university signed a lease for an expansion campus located in Addison, Texas . Called ACU Dallas, the new campus began offering several new graduate programs, including an MBA and Ed.D. in organizational leadership. The university was officially segregated, for white students only, until 1962, when Billy Curl became

2254-518: Was created as an extension campus of Abilene Christian University. It was launched in Mesquite, Texas , in 1971, moving to Garland, Texas , in 1974. It became a separate institution as Amber University in 1982, and was rechristened Amberton University in 2001. Like Abilene Christian University, Amberton remains affiliated with the Churches of Christ. On February 22, 1976, the name of Abilene Christian College

2303-584: Was formed, the Young Men's Booster Club, which became the Abilene Chamber of Commerce in 1914. The cornerstone was laid in 1891 for Simmons College, the first of three universities in Abilene. It later developed as Hardin–Simmons University . Childers Classical Institute was founded in 1906, and developed as Abilene Christian University , the largest of the three. In 1923, McMurry College was founded; it later expanded its offerings as McMurry University . In

2352-420: Was located in the city in 1990. Several major projects of restoration and new construction: The Grace Museum and Paramount Theatre , and development of Artwalk in 1992, sparked a decade of downtown revitalization. In 2004, Frontier Texas! , a multimedia museum highlighting the history of the area from 1780 to 1880, was constructed. That year, an $ 8 million, 38-acre (150,000 m ) Cisco Junior College campus

2401-407: Was unconstitutional. In 1982, Abilene became the first city in Texas to create a downtown reinvestment zone. Texas State Technical College opened an Abilene branch three years later. The 2,250-bed French Robertson Prison Unit was built in 1989. A half-cent sales tax earmarked for economic development was created after the decline in the petroleum business in the 1980s. A branch of Cisco College

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