Fairview Cemetery
Graves: unknown (pre-1885)
Source: Parsons, Kim, Ref. to Texas Cemeteries, 1988; Rootsweb; Usgennet; USGS; Interment; THC records; TxDot map 1997
To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.
The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.
A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
The first recorded European exploration in Midland County occurred in the mid-19th century when U.S. Army surveyors visited the area. In the late 1800s, settlers began establishing small ranching communities in the region. However, the true transformation of Midland County came in the early 1900s with the discovery of oil.
Following the discovery of oil, Midland County experienced a significant boom. The oil industry attracted thousands of people seeking fortune and opportunities. Midland became a major hub for oil production and attracted major oil companies. The boom brought rapid growth and development to the region, with infrastructure such as roads, housing, and businesses being built to accommodate the increasing population.
In recent decades, Midland County has continued to thrive as a center for the oil and gas industry. Its favorable geological formations and rich oil reserves have made it one of the largest oil-producing regions in the United States. Alongside the oil industry, Midland has diversified its economy with sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Today, Midland County is known for its vibrant economy, bustling downtown, and strong sense of community. The county's history of resilience and adaptability has shaped it into a thriving region with a promising future.
Midland County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Midland County, Texas.
- 1885 - Midland County is officially organized.
- 1886 - The first post office in Midland County is established.
- 1890 - The population of Midland County is recorded as 418.
- 1905 - The Moody family discovers oil near Midland, sparking the oil boom in the region.
- 1920 - Midland's population reaches 7,500 due to the oil boom.
- 1927 - The city of Midland is incorporated.
- 1942 - Midland Army Air Field is established as a military training base during World War II.
- 1951 - Midland College is founded.
- 1952 - The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum is established in Midland.
- 1990 - The population of Midland County reaches over 90,000.
- 2012 - The George W. Bush Childhood Home is opened as a museum in Midland.