Midland history

The history of the city of Midland began in the late 19th century, and its name speaks for itself. Located in the state of Texas, USA, it was originally conceived as a vital transport hub connecting various parts of the region.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was founded in 1881 as a station on the Texas and Pacific Railway. The settlement was initially named "Midway," as it was located exactly halfway between the major transport centres of Fort Worth and El Paso. However, to avoid confusion with other settlements of the same name in Texas, the post office was renamed in 1884, and the city received its current name. Official city status was granted in 1906.

Key Factors of Development

Several important circumstances defined Midland's development, transforming a small station into a thriving centre:

• The Railway: Became the main artery ensuring the influx of settlers, materials, and goods into this arid region of West Texas.
• Geography: Its location in the centre of the Permian Basin made the city a strategically important point for future industry.
• Natural Resources: Although the economy was initially built on agriculture, the discovery of oil in the region in 1923 (the famous Santa Rita No. 1 well) radically changed the city's destiny.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Before the oil boom began, Midland was a prosperous livestock centre. Ranches actively developed here, raising cattle and sheep, which formed the classic culture of Texas farmers and cowboys. With the onset of active "black gold" extraction, the city quickly transformed into the administrative and financial headquarters of the oil industry, attracting investors and specialists from across the country, giving the local culture the traits of a business metropolis amidst the prairies.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1881: The Midway station is founded on the Texas and Pacific Railway, becoming the starting point in the settlement's history.
• 1884: The postal authority officially approves the name Midland to avoid confusion with other settlements in the region.
• 1885: The city becomes the administrative centre of the newly formed Midland County, contributing to population growth.
• 1906: Midland receives official city status and begins developing its own municipal infrastructure.
• 1923: The discovery of the Santa Rita No. 1 oil well in the Permian Basin forever changes the city's economy, turning it into an oil capital.
• 1929: Construction of the iconic Petroleum Building is completed, cementing the city's status as the business hub of West Texas.
• 1941: An army airfield is founded, which was converted into a civilian international airport after the war.
• 1948: The family of George H.W. Bush moves to the city, linking its history with the biographies of two future presidents of the USA.
• 1950s: A period of rapid population growth and urban development driven by the booming energy sector.
• 1975: The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum opens, which is today one of the city's key attractions.
• 2011: Construction of the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center is completed, becoming the region's main cultural stage.

City Evolution: From Whistle-Stop to Energy Capital

The story of the transformation of Midland from a modest railway station into a significant economic centre in the southern USA is an example of rapid adaptation and intelligent resource use. The main stages of development have formed the unique appearance of the city, which today combines features of the Texas outback with a modern business hub.

• Railway Foundation of the Economy. The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in the late 19th century was a city-forming factor. This turned the settlement into the region's main logistics hub for transporting livestock, laying a solid foundation for commercial prosperity even before the industrial era began.
• Discovery of the Permian Basin. The discovery of oil in the 1920s was a turning point that radically reoriented the economy from agriculture to energy. This event attracted major corporations to the region, making the city the administrative headquarters of the country's largest oil-bearing basin.
• The "Tall City" Architectural Phenomenon. During oil booms, the city centre began to actively build upwards with high-rise buildings, which is quite atypical for settlements with such a population size amidst the plains. This earned Midland the nickname "The Tall City" and formed its recognizable urban silhouette, visible for many kilometres.
• Aerospace Diversification. The development of the local airport from a former military base into the Midland International Air and Space Port opened a new chapter in the city's history. Obtaining a license for commercial space flights symbolizes the region's aspiration for technological innovation beyond the oil and gas sector.
• 21st Century Cultural Expansion. The construction of the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center in 2011 marked a transition towards qualitative urban environment development. The appearance of a world-class venue has significantly enriched cultural life and increased the city's attractiveness for professionals to reside permanently.

Architecture and Urban Landscape

The architectural appearance of Midland is unique for the American hinterland and is inextricably linked to the history of oil booms. The city is known by the nickname "The Tall City" thanks to its impressive skyline, which rises unexpectedly amidst the flat plains of West Texas. Urban development here proceeded in leaps, synchronized with energy prices, leaving distinct traces of different eras on the city streets.

Major Architectural Eras and Styles

The city's development represents an eclectic mix of historical buildings from the early 20th century, modernist skyscrapers, and single-story residential areas. Several key stages in the formation of the urban environment can be highlighted:

• The First Boom Era (1920s–1930s): The first iconic stone structures appeared during this period. Dominant styles included elements of Art Deco and Neo-Gothic, designed to emphasize the financial success and stability of new oil enterprises.
• Post-War Modernism (1950s–1960s): A time of active suburban expansion. The International Style became established in the architecture of public buildings and offices: functionality, simple geometric forms, and a lack of excessive decoration. Residential areas were built up with single-story "Ranch-style" homes typical of the USA.
• The Skyscraper Era (1970s–1980s): The most noticeable period in urban planning, forming the modern silhouette of the centre. During this time, the city's main high-rises were erected in the style of Late Modernism, characterized by the use of glass, steel, and concrete.
• The Modern Period (21st Century): The focus shifted to cultural and public spaces. Architecture became more complex and expressive, with elements of Postmodernism and Deconstructivism utilizing bold forms and modern materials.

Iconic Buildings and Structures

Several architectural landmarks define the visual character of the city and serve as reference points for residents and tourists:

• Petroleum Building (1929): The historical heart of the business centre. This building combines Neo-Gothic features with decorative elements typical of the Jazz Age. For a long time, it remained a symbol of the region's economic power.
• Bank of America Tower: A striking representative of 1970s high-rise construction. This skyscraper, with its strict vertical lines, is one of the highest points in the city and dominates the surrounding landscape.
• Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center: An outstanding example of modern architecture. The building stands out with a futuristic design reminiscent of geological layers or rock erosion, symbolically linking culture with the region's natural wealth.
• Yucca Theatre: Built in 1929, this theatre is a gem of historical architecture with a luxurious interior in the Assyrian style, which was a popular exotic trend in the design of movie palaces of that time.

Distinguished Figures Associated with the City

The history of Midland is inextricably linked with names known not only in the USA but throughout the world. This Texas city is often called the "cradle of presidents," yet the list of its famous natives and residents also includes Hollywood stars and prominent military leaders.

• George Herbert Walker Bush — 41st President of the USA, politician, and businessman.
  He moved to the region in the late 1940s to enter the oil industry. His success in local business became the foundation for the future political career of a famous dynasty.
• George Walker Bush — 43rd President of the USA, political figure.
  He spent his childhood in the city and later returned to found his first oil company. It was here that he met his future wife and began his path to major politics.
• Laura Bush — First Lady of the USA (2001–2009), educator, and public figure.
  A native of the city. Before entering major politics, she worked here as a librarian and teacher, and later became an active advocate for literacy and education.
• Tommy Lee Jones — Actor, director, and screenwriter, Academy Award winner.
  He studied at the local high school, where he also played on the school American football team. His charismatic roles often embody the rugged spirit of a true Texan.
• Woody Harrelson — Actor and playwright, Academy Award nominee.
  Born in Midland. He became a star of global scale, starring in dozens of cult films and series, from popular comedies to serious dramas.
• Jeb Bush — Politician, 43rd Governor of Florida.
  Born here during the time his father was developing business in the Permian Basin, making him another representative of the influential family whose biography began in West Texas.
• Tommy Franks — Retired US Army General.
  Grew up in Midland and was a classmate of Laura Bush. He led the Central Command of the armed forces, overseeing key strategic operations of the early 21st century.