Odessa, TX

Odessa, Texas, sits in the Permian Basin, a geological feature that was once an ocean. This west Texas city is the Ector County seat, though part of Odessa is in Midland County. Odessa has a population of 91,000 in an area of around 36 square miles. The nearest city with a population of more than 200,000 is El Paso, which is some 278 miles away. Odessa enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year.

Legend has it that the city was named after Odessa, Russia, because it reminded railroad workers of that area. The extension of the railroad and the discovery of oil in 1926 are responsible for Odessa's success.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Grant Avenue is the principal gateway downtown Odessa, with land uses consisting of commercial, office, retail, and government buildings. In the late 1980s, city officials recognized that this main corridor was suffering from the effects of the latest downturn in the economy and retail migration. In 1991 the non-profit Main Street Odessa program was initiated, and improvements have had positive effects on the redevelopment of business activity in the downtown area.

FOR VISITORS

• The Odessa Meteor Crater is the second-largest impact crater in the United States. A hiking trail with signs and a brochure detail the site for tourists. The crater is a National Natural Landmark.
• In 1940 the Western artist Tom Lea painted Stampede for the Odessa post office. The work now hangs in the North Texas Avenue post office.
• At eight feet tall, the World's Largest Jack Rabbit sits on his haunches in front of the Ector County School Administration building in downtown Odessa.
• A train car was originally the railroad depot in the town of Texon. It was moved to Odessa in 2002 and now serves as a private railroad museum. Tours are by appointment only.
• The White-Pool House Museum is the oldest notable building in Odessa. Charles and Lucy White built it in 1887 to resemble their former home in Indiana. Historical exhibits trace Odessa's history, and a replica barn illustrates ranching life.
• The 1935 Parker House Museum represents a prominent ranching family's lifestyle.
• The University of Texas of thePermian Basin is home to a replica of Stonehenge. Students at the university use to the replica to study astronomy, geology, and mathematics.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Located at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, the Ellen Noel Art Museum exhibits both contemporary and historical art. The museum offers art education programs for adults and children.
• The Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale performs both classical and popular music concerts throughout the year.
• The Globe of the Great Southwest is a reproduction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. It hosts an annual Shakespeare festival and live performances.
• The Ector Theatre presents movies and live entertainment.
• Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo hosts various live shows throughout the year.

SPORTS TEAMS

• The Roughnecks are an indoor football team.
• The Jackalopes are a local ice hockey team.
• High school football is an important part of life in Odessa. The two local high schools consistently win state championships.
• Ratliff Stadium, one of the finest stadiums in the country, was featured in the novel and the movie Friday Night Lights.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

As the ocean in the Permian Basin receded, dying plant and animal life formed the basis for huge oil and gas fields. With the discovery of oil and the need for industry to support the fields, Odessa became an important oil field technology center. New industries include call centers, retail and food distribution centers, and an armament manufacturer for the U.S. Army. The area is still a major livestock region.

Health care is a prominent industry in Odessa. Local medical centers include:

• Medical Center Hospital
• Alliance Hospital
• Odessa Regional Hospital
• HealthSouth Rehab Hospital of Midland/Odessa
• Desert Springs Medical Center
• Heart Place Hospital

EVENTS

• In February, Shrimpfest features a Cajun shrimp feast, auctions, and jazz.
• Odessa's three-day Cinco de Mayo festival features a parade, a carnival, music, and authentic Mexican food.
• The Permian Basin Fair and Exposition in September celebrates agriculture with entertainment, a livestock show, food vendors, arts and crafts, a Wild West show, and a carnival.

SHOPPING

• The 152,000 square-foot Live Oak Plaza is on one of Odessa's busiest streets.
• In addition to stores, Music City Mall features live entertainment year-round, an 11-screen movie theater, and public ice-skating sessions.
• The courtyard at Market Place is designed as an urban village. This small mall is anchored by two longtime Odessa restaurants.

EDUCATION

• Odessa College
• University of Texas of the Permian Basin
• Midland College

LOCAL MEDIA

Odessa's local newspaper is the Odessa American.

AM radio stations in Odessa include:

• KFLB 920 Religious
• KOZA 1230 Spanish
• KRIL 1410 Sports

FM radio stations in Odessa include:

• KLVW 88.7 Christian Contemporary
• KBMM 89.5 Religious
• KOCV 91.3 Public Radio
• KMRK 96.1 Hip Hop
• KQLM 107.9 Spanish