Abilene's reputation as the "wickedest and wildest town in the west" developed as hundreds of cowboys arrived in town along the historic Chisholm Trail during the late 1800's. The name Abilene means city of the plains and was selected from Luke 3:1 in the Bible by Sylvia Hersey, the wife of Abilene's founder, Timothy Hersey. Their's was the first home built in Abilene along the banks of Mud Creek ( the Hersey's home is preserved in the basement of the Lebold Vahsholtz Mansion ).
Hersey established Abilene as a small dugout and log cabin hamlet and stagecoach stop in 1857. It was a crude little frontier village of about 300 population when it was "discovered" by Joseph G. McCoy and the cattle traders as the railroad was pushing west. It grew almost overnight into a booming city of 3,000 with the largest stockyards west of Kansas City, more than a dozen saloons, gaudy night clubs, gambling houses, thriving mercantile businesses, and hotels. Joseph G. McCoy's stockyards set Abilene on its way to becoming a booming cowtown located at the end of the historic Chisholm Trail.
Over 3 million head of Texas Longhorn cattle arrived in Abilene between the years of 1867 & 1872, to be shipped east by rail. Tom Smith and Wild Bill Hickok became famous for their attempts to maintain law and order on Abilene's legendary Texas Street. As the railroad moved west and the cattle trade waned, Abilene businessmen became entrepreneurs in other areas and the community continued to grow.
C.W. Parker operated an amusement company south of Abilene, manufacturing hand-carved carousels and carnival equipment. Dr. A.B. Seelye's patent medicine company was known across the country. C.L. Brown founded United Telephone Company, which later became Sprint. And President Dwight D. Eisenhower grew to manhood with his five brothers in Abilene. First-class museums showcase the lives of these men.
Abilene has come to be known as the Greyhound Capitol of the World. The Greyhound Hall of Fame and National Greyhound Association headquarters are both located in the Abilene area. Greyhound kennels contribute to the area economy.
Abilene's history has been well-preserved in its quality museums and beautifully restored historic homes. A diverse economic base is supported by several manufacturing firms and a growing service industry. Thousands of visitors from around the world travel to Abilene each year to tour and shop in the growing number of antique and specialty gift shops.
Special thanks to the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau for their help with this page. 785-263-2231 / 1-800-569-5915
