Historical Markers in
Midland County, Texas

Anglin, Captain W. B. Army Flying School, Site of Old Brown-Dorsey House Burton-Lingo Company (RAZED) Dorsey Home Fairgrounds Road Fairview Cemetery Fairview Cemetery First Baptist Church of Midland First Christian Church of Midland First Methodist Church (RAZED) First Post Office in Midland First Post Office in Midland Former Site of Midland National Bank George Bush Family Home George W. Bush Childhood Home Greenwood Baptist Church Greenwood Baptist Church John Valentine Pliska Lawrence Home Marcy Trail Midland & Northwestern Railroad Midland Christian College Midland County Midland County Midland County Midland County's First Bank Midland County's First Producing Oil Well Midland County's First Water Well Midland Man Midland National Bank Midland's First House Petroleum Building Scharbauer Hotel (destroyed) Site of Early Water Well Site of Midland County's First Bank Site of Old Midland Army Flying School Staked Plains Texas Petroleum in World War II W. B. Anglin W. F. Scarborough Home, Yucca Theatre
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History along the Way: Stories beyond the Texas Roadside Markers (Texas A&M Travel Guides) Paperback – January 11, 2013
History along the Way: Stories beyond the Texas Roadside Markers

Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible
Dan Rather in The View
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.