Former Site of Midland National Bank
Historical marker location:Organized in Odessa on August 22, 1902, as Odessa National Bank, this institution began with an initial capital of $25,000. In June 1903 the shareholders voted to move the bank to Midland and rename it Midland National Bank.
Bank offices were set up at this site in the Llano hotel. Built in 1890, the two-story wooden hotel building was a gathering place for ranchers and businessmen. The bank occupied the lower floor of the hotel until 1909, when the structure, along with others in the downtown area, was destroyed by fire. The hotel was rebuilt on the same site, and the bank continued to lease office space.
By 1927 the principal business of the bank had shifted from agriculture to the emerging oil industry. A new three-story bank building was erected at the corner of Texas and Big Spring streets in 1953, and a nine-story tower was added in 1957.
Midland National and the Bank of the Southwest merged in 1968. In 1976 the bank moved to a new fourteen-story structure at 500 W. Texas. The name of the bank was changed to First City National Bank of Midland in 1983
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.
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
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 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.