Midland, TX

Although Midland is best known nationally as the hometown of former First Lady Laura Bush and the childhood residence of former president George W. Bush, the city was famous in Texas long before, as one of the major oil services areas in the state. Nicknamed the "Tall City" for its skyline, which rises above the surrounding prairie, Midland lies at the halfway point between Dallas-Forth Worth and El Paso, and with a population of more than 100,000, it anchors the economy of the surrounding region.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The Midland Basin is one part of the larger Permian Basin, an area that produces a fifth of the oil for petroleum for the United States. Since the 1920s when oil was discovered in Midland, the oil industry and related services have made up a major part of the city's economy. But the ups and downs of the oil industry have taken a toll on Midland over the past several decades, and today more diversity is developing in the city, with industries, such as telecommunications and distribution making contributions to employment and revenue. Government and service sectors also contribute jobs to the local economy.

Midland's largest employers include Midland Memorial Hospital, Warren Equipment Co., Dawson Geophysical, Patterson-UTI Drilling Co., Key Energy Services and AT&T Wireless.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Midland accommodates an urban population of more than 100,000 and a rural population of more than 1,500. The neighborhoods and districts of Midland accommodate around 40,000 houses, out of which more than 35,500 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, more than 23,500 are owner-occupied while renters occupy around 12,100 houses.

Downtown Midland lies in close proximity to Interstate Highway 20, within 15 minutes of the Midland International Airport. It is the city's preeminent employment center, and includes a civic center, a historic theater, and a spacious park where cascading fountains surround a tiled plaza.

EDUCATION

The Midland Independent School District serves the city, which has two high schools. There are also several private schools and charter schools, offering a variety of options to Midland families. Post-secondary education is available at two local institutions:

• Midland College: This college offers certification and associate degrees, continuing education opportunities, and one bachelor's degree option to almost 4,000 full-time students.
• University of Texas at the Permian Basin: In nearby Odessa, this four-year university offers undergraduate, graduate, and online degrees to more than 3,500 students and is one of the nine universities the University of Texas system.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Permian Basin Petroleum Museum: Through interactive displays, artifacts, and memorabilia, visitors come here to learn about the science behind the creation of oil, the oil industry, the people who have worked to build the Permian Basic, and how oil has affected Midland.
• George W. Bush Childhood Home: This site is listed on the National Registry of Historic Sites and is a place for visitors to learn about the Bush family's history through photographs, exhibits, and special events. Visitors can also learn about the history of Midland in the 1950s.
• American Airpower Heritage Museum and Commemorative Air Force: The Commemorative Air Force, or CAF, is an organization that restores and maintains military aircraft of the United States and other nations in order to educate future Americans.
• Marien Blakemore Planetarium: This site is one of the biggest planetariums in the state; it brings visitors of all ages for shows projected on the 40-foot dome.
• The Museum of the Southwest: This museum features a collection of paintings by various members of the Taos Society of Artists.

Other noteworthy Midland attractions include:

• Dennis the Menace Park
• Green Acres Miniature Golf Course

EVENTS

• Midland Cole Theater: This internationally recognized amateur theater is home to the Midland Community Theater and hosts popular local performances, including comedy acts, dramatic pieces, and musicals.
• Rock the Desert: A Christian rock festival held in August, this event lasts for three days and also includes skateboard parks, a prayer tent, campground, and kids' events along with the performances of Christian rock bands.
• Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale (MOSC): The largest professional orchestra in western Texas, this venue hosts over 50 performances a year from visiting artists and the local orchestra and music groups.
• Midland Festival Ballet: The MOSC collaborates with a variety of dance groups to put on dance and music performances.
• The Festival of Lights: This festive event held each year during the holiday season at the Racquet Club neighborhood.
• Juneteenth Celebrations: Held every June, this event celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. The commemoration of this historical event is honored with a parade, gospel singing, dancing, and food.

LOCAL MEDIA

• Midland Reporter-Telegram: A local daily newspaper covering the Midland/Odessa metropolitan area.
• Odessa American: A local daily newspaper covering the Permian Basin and the Southeastern Texas region.
• The Mesa Journal: University of Texas of the Permian Basin's award-winning student newspaper.

• KMLM (Local religious network)
• KMID (ABC affiliate)
• KWES-TV (NBC affiliate)
• KOSA (Fox affiliate)
• KUPBL (Affiliate of Univision)

SPORTS TEAMS

• Midland RockHounds: Professional affiliate of Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics, this Double-A minor league baseball team plays in the Citibank Ballpark.
• Odessa Jackalopes: This minor league hockey team is based in Odessa, Texas, only 20 miles away from Midland. It's part of the Central Hockey League.
• Midland College Chaparral: The Chaps are two-time NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) National Champions.