Midland Making History
The story of Midland, Texas, has beginnings in 1849 with an expedition by U.S. Army Captain Randolph B. Marcy to find a suitable route for a railroad spanning the 850-mile vista between Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Many years prior, the area was named the Llano Estacado, whose primary residents consisted of the great American bison and wild Mustang horses. In 1881, the Texas and Pacific railroad conjoined between El Paso and Dallas, where a single railcar was designated as the post office for this midway station. Coincidentally, a Texas town named Midway already existed, so thus, Midland was born. In 1923, the region was changed significantly by the discovery and promotion of oil in the Permian Basin when the Santa Rita well struck black gold.
Today, Midland is the fifth fastest-growing city in the U.S. with a population of more than 138,000. Although its roots run deep in petroleum, development and industry diversification are a sharp focus amongst citizens and leaders alike. Midlanders continue to make history, working to ensure a rich future for generations to come. Nicknamed “The Tall City” for its impressive downtown – Midland has become a multi-faceted economy with bright prospects for the future.