The central Texan city of Abilene, the county seat of Taylor County, was named after a cattle town named Abilene in Kansas. It started as a tough wild town, comprising of saloons and railroads and rife with gunfights on the streets. However, it has developed into a peaceful and laid-back town with a rich cultural scene today. Considering the rich historical fabric found in this neighborhood, what are the landmarks that make Abilene the town that it is today?
The Original Windsor Hotel
Now known as the Cypress Building, this building was previously known as the Windsor Hotel, located at 174 Cypress Street. Built in 1890, it is the oldest commercial building in Abilene, featuring a 16-foot-high balcony on the second floor with an ornate iron railing. Ladies would be perched on this balcony, enticing cowboys and soldiers to join them.
Alexander Building
Built in 1925, this seven-story structure was built for Abilene’s most prominent physician, Dr James M. Alexander. Later converted into a sanitarium, one of the first hospitals in West Texas, this building was considered the first “high rise” building in Abilene, and the only such building until the Windsor hotel opened.
Abilene Reporter News
The first paper from this publication was printed in a tent by Charles Gilbert, on the 17th of June 1881, on the very site the building is located right now. Abilene Reporter News remains the oldest and most contentious running business in the town. One of the original presses, a reporter news original Linotype Machine, remains within the walls of this building.
T & P Railroad Depot
One of Abilene’s most prominent landmarks, built in 1910, this train depot was constructed due to the town’s residents wanting to promote Abilene as a growing city. The last passenger train departed from this depot in March 1967, and this railroad depot remains as a physical monument of the town’s historical and economic development.
Paramount Theatre Abilene Texas
The Paramount Theatre was constructed in 1930 by H.O Wooten, Abilene’s most successful businessman. Restored in 1986, this theatre represents the rich cultural backdrop and history of the entertainment scene of this town.
Abilene Towers Apartments
Originally the Wooten Hotel, this hotel was constructed by H.O Wooten during the Great Depression to create jobs for the townsfolk. A total of 16 stories, this monument has since been converted into an apartment called Abilene Towers.
Abilene Train Track
This train track facing westward is the main reason Abilene exists today. This very railway got Abilene the county seat, and under the tracks has a passage leading to the T & P depot. Meant to facilitate safe passage from north to south Abilene, this entire stretch of the track represents the historical significance of the town’s development.
Camp Barkeley
While not officially in Abilene, Camp Barkley played a pivotal role in the key city. Built in 1941, it was a large army base named after David B. Barkley, a medal of honor recipient for World War I. Camp Barkeley was operational from 1940 to 1945.
