National Register Listings in Taylor County, Texas
1915 Taylor County Courthouse
Abilene and Northern Railway Company Depot
Abilene Christian College Administration Building
Abilene Commercial Historic District
Abilene Courts
Abilene Fire Station No. 2
Abilene High School
Abilene Street Railway Company Barn
Ackers, William and Mary, House
Alexander-Campbell House
Bankhead Highway Historic District
Blanton, Thomas L., House
Boyd-Hall House
Caldwell Hall
Cash, W. A. V., House
Castle, David S., House
Davis, George R., House
Dillingham, O. D. and Ada, House
Dodd-Harkrider House
Evans, J. W., House
Federal Building
Finley, Eugene L., House
First Presbyterian Church
Fritz, David C. and Docia, House
Fulwiler, William J., House
Goodloe, Albert S. and Ruth, House
Green, Roland A. D., House
Higginbotham, J. G., House
Hilton Hotel
Hughes, Ed S., Company Warehouse
Jones, A. T., House
Lanius, C. A., House
Luce Hall
Magee, J. D., House
McDaniel, George W. and Lavina, House
McDonald Hall
McMurry College Administration Building
Minter, William A., House
Motz, Charles, House
Old Taylor County Courthouse and Jail
Paramount Theater
Parramore Historic District
Parramore, D. D., House
Reading, Jhules, House
Roberts, Nathan J. and Nancy, House
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Sayles Boulevard Historic District
Sayles, Henry, House
State Epileptic Colony Historic District
Stith, William and Evla, House
Swenson, William and Shirley, House
Thomas, Oscar P., House
U.S. Weather Bureau Building
Universal Manufacturing Company Building
West Texas Utilities Company Power Plant
Williamson, E. D., House
Wooten, Horace O., Grocery Company Warehouse
Wooten, Horace O., House
Zabloudil-Hendrick House
About Taylor County
Taylor County Timeline
Taylor County is located in the west-central region of Texas and has a rich and diverse history. The area that is now Taylor County was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Kiowa, before European settlers arrived. In the mid-19th century, the region became part of Texas and was officially established as Taylor County in 1858, named after Edward Taylor, a prominent figure in the Mexican-American War.
The early years of Taylor County were characterized by the hardships and challenges faced by the settlers. The area was sparsely populated, and conflicts with Native American tribes were common. However, with the development of the Texas and Pacific Railway in the late 19th century, Taylor County experienced a significant period of growth and development. The railroad sparked economic growth, attracting new settlers and industries to the area.
Agriculture played a vital role in Taylor County's history, with cotton being the dominant crop. The fertile soil and favorable climate allowed farmers to thrive, and cotton production became a major industry in the county. However, the agricultural boom was affected by various factors, including natural disasters and economic fluctuations, leading to both prosperity and challenges for the region's farmers.
Over the years, Taylor County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century led to the establishment of the petroleum industry in the county, bringing new opportunities for growth and development. Today, Taylor County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, education, and healthcare. The county's rich history is celebrated through its numerous historical sites and museums, providing a glimpse into the past while embracing the progress and future of the region.
The early years of Taylor County were characterized by the hardships and challenges faced by the settlers. The area was sparsely populated, and conflicts with Native American tribes were common. However, with the development of the Texas and Pacific Railway in the late 19th century, Taylor County experienced a significant period of growth and development. The railroad sparked economic growth, attracting new settlers and industries to the area.
Agriculture played a vital role in Taylor County's history, with cotton being the dominant crop. The fertile soil and favorable climate allowed farmers to thrive, and cotton production became a major industry in the county. However, the agricultural boom was affected by various factors, including natural disasters and economic fluctuations, leading to both prosperity and challenges for the region's farmers.
Over the years, Taylor County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century led to the establishment of the petroleum industry in the county, bringing new opportunities for growth and development. Today, Taylor County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, education, and healthcare. The county's rich history is celebrated through its numerous historical sites and museums, providing a glimpse into the past while embracing the progress and future of the region.
Taylor County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Taylor County, Texas.
- 1858 - Taylor County is officially formed and organized.
- 1878 - Abilene becomes the county seat of Taylor County.
- 1881 - The Texas and Pacific Railway is completed, increasing transportation and trade in Taylor County.
- 1890 - Taylor County population reaches over 8,000 residents.
- 1909 - Abilene Christian College (now Abilene Christian University) is established.
- 1924 - Construction of the Lake Abilene dam begins.
- 1930s - The Great Depression severely impacts Taylor County, causing economic hardship.
- 1950 - Dyess Air Force Base is established, bringing economic growth to the county.
- 1969 - Abilene becomes the first city in Texas to implement the "911" emergency telephone system.
- 1999 - The Taylor County Expo Center opens, becoming a hub for events and exhibitions.
- 2006 - The Abilene Zoo completes a major renovation, enhancing its facilities and exhibits.