Historical Marker

Midland & Northwestern Railroad

Historical marker location:
SH 158 and FM 1788, Midland, Texas
( From Midland, take SH 158 W about 6 mile (1 mile E of Junction of SH 158 & FM 1788))
Marker installed: 1967
Marker size: 18" x 28"

Standard gauge 66-mile line built by David Fasken, Sr., to carry cattle, ranch supplies, passengers.

Operated 1916 to 1920 -- critical era of World War I and world starvation aftermath. Linked towns of Fasken, Florey, and Seminole with Texas & Pacific Railway at Midland. At first, operated with locomotive borrowed from T. & P.

Train had to stop for pasture gates to be opened. Crew shot coyotes and rattlesnakes. In a breakdown, the passengers were fed, sheltered at Fasken. Work crew slept on the prairie. Floored out in 1920, M. & N. R. was abandoned. Roadbed still is visible

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

railroads
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Texas random facts
Midland County, located in western Texas, has a rich and varied history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlers arrived, the area was home to various Native American tribes such as the Comanches and Kiowas, who lived off the land and utilized its resources for survival.

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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.