Midland, Texas
Midland, Texas is an attractive retirement location for people interested in a safe and fun place to live. Located in and the county seat of Midland County, Texas, on the Southern Plains of the state's western area, Midland is the principal city of the Midland, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Midland County. The metropolitan area is also a component of the larger Midland–Odessa, Texas Combined Statistical Area, which had an estimated population of about 270,000.
History:
Midland was originally established in 1881 as Midway Station on the Texas and Pacific Railway; it earned its name because of its central location between Fort Worth and El Paso. However, because there were already other towns in Texas by the name of Midway, the city changed its name to Midland in January 1884 when it was granted its first Post Office. The city was first incorporated in 1906, and by 1910, the city established its first fire department along with a new water system. The city was forever changed by the discovery of oil in the Permian Basin in 1923 when the Santa Rita No. 1 well began producing in Reagan County, followed shortly by the Yates Oil Field in Iraan, Texas. Soon, Midland was transformed into the administrative center of the West Texas oil fields. During World War II, Midland was the biggest bombing base in the country. Later, another boom period would occur during the 1970s, with the high oil prices associated with the oil and energy crises of that decade. Today, the Permian Basin produces one fifth of the nation's total petroleum and natural gas output.
Economy:
Midland's economy still relies heavily on petroleum; however, the city has also diversified to become a regional telecommunications and distribution center. By August 2006, a busy period of crude oil production had caused a significant workforce deficit. According to the Midland Chamber of Commerce, at that time there were almost 2,000 more jobs available in the Permian Basin than there were workers to fill them. Due to the revival of the energy-driven economy, a move is currently underway to bring mixed-use development to the downtown area. This has resulted in the on-going demolition of several older buildings and the plans for replacement of several more. The Midland/Odessa workforce represents a unique blend of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labor. Since 2001, over 10,000 people have been added to Midland's civilian labor force. The workforce in the Permian Basin is experiencing overall expansion. Because of the relative importance of Midland/Odessa to this area, many residents from the surrounding communities commute on a regular basis to the large cities and form a viable supplement to the local labor pool. Texas is a right to work state, and unions represent a low percentage of its work force. The civilian labor force of the Midland area is over 95 percent non-unions with expertise in shift-related work. The adult population of Midland is well educated. The city’s largest employers are Midland Independent School District, Warren Equipment Companies, Midland Memorial Hospital and Medical Center and Dawson Geophysical.
Tourism:
Begin your exploration by visiting the Museum of the Southwest. This natural history museum offers fun, educational displays and hands-on exhibits for the entire family to enjoy. Next, Odessa Meteor Crater and Museum is the site of a giant crater, now a museum providing information and history of the site, as well as more exciting interactive exhibits. Then, it’s off to the Airpower Museum. The mission of the Airpower Museum is to tell the complete story of World War II military aviation by collecting, preserving, and interpreting World War II material culture. The Museum serves a broad and diverse audience by preserving the memory of the men and women who built, supported, and flew the historic aircraft of World War II through educational programs, exhibits, collections and library research services. Finally, visit the Bush Childhood Home. The childhood home of our 43rd president is approximately 1,400-square-feet and remained largely unchanged since 1956. Here you can take a short guided tour or visit the gift shop for a piece of Bush memorabilia.
Colleges and Universities:
Interesting Facts:
• Midland was named so because it lies halfway between Fort Worth and El Paso.
• Midland, Texas is the center of the oil and gas rich Permian Basin of west Texas and southeast New Mexico.
• Residents of Midland are called “Midlanders.”
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