Abilene, Texas, was established in 1881 as a railway stop on the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Longhorn cattle were loaded onto trains in Abilene. The town became known as a rough Old West "cow town", populated by rugged cowboys. By 1883, Abilene became the county seat for Taylor County. The town was transformed over the years from a cattlemen's hub into a major agricultural, industrial, and educational center for West Texas. It is considered a "key city", a major commercial center for the region.  

Today, you can learn about the history of the city at the Frontier History Museum and the Grace Museum. You can also visit the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature and the Center for Contemporary Arts. Abilene is part of the Texas Forts Trail, which leads visitors to nearby Fort  Phantom Hill and Fort Griffin State Historic Site.  

The Residence at Heritage Park is about 10 miles from historic downtown Abilene, the site of the museums.  

Frontier Texas  

Historic downtown Abilene is the home of Frontier Texas, a western heritage center that brings the Old West to life. It is also the official visitor center of the Abilene and Texas Forts Trail Region.   

Modern technology is used to create exhibits that tell of life in the Old West. This includes Blood and Treasure, a 12-minute introduction to the museum in the Welcome Theater that explains the exhibits. Actors portray people living in the region and tell about their early lives on the frontier.  

Ancient tribes journeyed through this rugged land more than 13,000 years ago. The Comanche tribe settled in the regions around 1700, riding horses left in the southwest by early Spanish explorers. The Comanche dominated this region for about 150 years, fighting off European invaders. They hunted the buffalo that were native to this region.  

Although Texas became part of the Mexican Cession in 1848, this region remained the territory of native tribes. Fort Phantom Hill was built by the US Army in 1851, north of Abilene, to deter Comanche raids. Fort Belknap was constructed that same year. The westward movement and the hunt for buffalo skins changed relations with the Comanche in the post-Civil War era, when fur traders moved into the region and began decimating the buffalo population. Fort Griffin was established in 1867 to protect settlers moving through the area.  

Next came the cowboys who drove cattle over native territory to the railroads in Kansas. Cattlemen realized that a railhead in Texas was necessary to move longhorn cattle to market faster. Thus, Abilene, Texas, was created. The museum exhibits detail the region's development, including a display of firearms from the Fort Phantom Foundation Firearms Collection. This museum hosts several events, including the West Texas Wine Festival and a Genealogy Workshop. 

The Grace Museum  

The museum, located in downtown Abilene, offers more on the history of the area, along with special programs and interactive displays for children. A permanent display of period rooms from 1910, 1928, and 1948 brings the living rooms, kitchens, and parlors of the 20th century to life.  

More than 30 interactive exhibits at The Grace Museum offer an opportunity to learn more about the history and art in the area. This is the Spark program that has a Create Lab, music area, and art space for children and adults. The museum also has art programs for children and a Tot Spot for preschool children.  

The museum hosts numerous events throughout the year, and it offers a summer day camp for youngsters.  

Abilene Heritage Square  

The new Abilene Heritage Square, scheduled to open in May, is a revitalization of the former Abilene High School and Lincoln Middle School buildings with a library and historic theater. The historic facades of the 150-year-old buildings have been preserved while interiors have been remodeled. Contemporary buildings have been added to the eight-acre tract to feature an interactive Spark Science Center hosted by The Grace Museum, a new library, and the Campus Green park.  

Historic Forts  

Fort Belknap was constructed along the Brazos River north of Abilene as part of a series of forts to protect the region from the Rio Grande north to the Red River. The fort predates the town, but it is worth a visit for residents and visitors to Abilene. Fort Phantom Hill, located 50 miles north of Abilene, has a few walls remaining from the original fortress that burned in 1854.   

Fort Griffin State Historical Site offers camping and stargazing at the park about 35 miles north of Abilene.  

The Residence at Heritage Park  

The Residence at Heritage Park features one, two, and three-bedroom apartments along with a swimming pool and fitness center. This is a pet-friendly community with outdoor sports courts. Contact us for more information about Apartments for rent in Abilene, TX. Join our apartment community and be a part of the history of Abilene at the Residence at Heritage Park.