How the Basin became home.
Rail lines, ranches, oil fields and wartime aviation shaped Midland and Odessa. Follow the places, records and museums that preserve those stories.
Explore the timeline ↓
Five turning points.
An introduction to the region's history, with each chapter linked to historical research or the place itself.
A rail stop becomes Midland
The Texas and Pacific Railway established Midway Station. Its name later changed to Midland, and the rail connection helped a new commercial center grow.
Read the source ↗Odessa and Ector County take shape
The railway, land promotion and ranching helped establish Odessa as a town and county seat. Ector County's history gives the wider context.
Read the source ↗A home that still tells its story
Odessa's White-Pool House was built in the city's early years. Today the restored house offers a close look at local life; check tour arrangements before visiting.
Read the source ↗Oil changes the landscape
Permian Basin discoveries drew workers, businesses and investment. The petroleum industry reshaped both cities and remains central to the region.
Read the source ↗A wartime training center
Midland Army Air Field trained bombardiers during World War II, adding an aviation chapter to the region's story.
Read the source ↗Research & places.
Visit a historic site, look through archives, or follow an institution that keeps the region's stories accessible.
Midland: Handbook of Texas
The town began as the railway’s Midway Station in 1881 and was renamed Midland when it gained a post office.
Open source ↗Odessa: Handbook of Texas
The city’s origins are tied to the railway and an 1880s land promotion.
Open source ↗Ector County: Handbook of Texas
County history, ranching and the oilfield supply economy.
Open source ↗Oil and gas in Texas
The Handbook traces the Permian Basin discoveries that reshaped Midland and Odessa.
Open source ↗Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
Exhibits and archives that connect the industry to the region’s people.
Open source ↗Historic White-Pool House
An 1887 home interpreting Odessa’s pioneer and oil boom eras; arrange access ahead of time.
Open source ↗Midland Historical Society archives
Thousands of local photographs and historical records via the Portal to Texas History.
Open source ↗