Midland is a city in western Texas. Located in the Permian Basin, it is an oil industry center. The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum contains interactive exhibits and features a recreation of an oil town from the 1930s. It is also home to the George W. Bush Childhood Home, which dates back to 1939 and has been restored to resemble a 1950s family home. If you’re interested in learning about the region’s history, you’ll definitely want to visit Midland.
Midland’s economic development is based on oil, and its downtown streets are lined with high-rise office buildings built by oil companies. The Bank of America Building is the tallest building between Phoenix and Fort Worth, and the Wilco Building is the second-tallest. The Petroleum Building is another classic example of 1920s architecture. The Claydesta Center has several five and six-story buildings. During the early 2000s, Midland residents and business leaders began to develop a public water system and fire department.
The area’s growing population was aided by the establishment of the Midland Army Air Force Base in 1942. The base was the largest in the world at the time, and was also home to the Army Air Force Bombardier School. The oilfield activities also strengthened the Midland economy. In 1945, the city had a population of 14,000 and was able to convert its Air Force Base into a great airport. Currently, there are nine television stations in the Midland area, which include KOSA, an ABC affiliate, KWES-TV, and KPBT-TV, a PBS affiliate. In addition, MeTV, Univision, and Telemundo all have stations in Midland.
The EZRider bus system connects the city. Typically, fares are $1. Downtown Midland has a large parking lot and is convenient to reach by bus. A few good options for lunch and dinner include the Colonnade, Kuo’s, and Wall Street Bar and Grill. Regardless of the dining choices you make, Midland has something to offer everyone. The weather in West Texas has always been great. If you’re in the mood for some good food, try one of these great restaurants.
Before the oil boom, Midland was a small town. It is now the administrative hub of the Permian Basin, one of the largest oil-producing areas in the world. In fact, 20 percent of America’s oil reserves are located in this region. Oil companies based in Midland have erected tall office buildings on its downtown streets. Aside from the oil industry, Midland is also a center for art, culture, and sports.
As a small town, Midland was originally known as the Midway Station. It was named this due to its central location between Fort Worth and El Paso. The name was changed to Midland after the first post office opened in 1884. In addition, the Midland Gazette promoted the city as the “Queen City of the South Plains.” In 1886, it became the county seat, and in 1889, the first public school was opened. In 1890, it was considered a major cattle shipping center. In 1906, the city was incorporated and established a fire department.