Hersey established Abilene as a small dugout and log cabin hamlet and stagecoach stop in 1857. It was a crude little frontier village of about 300 population when it was "discovered by Joseph G. McCoy and the cattle traders, as the railroad was pushing west. It grew almost overnight into a booming city of 3,000, with the largest stockyards west of Kansas City, more than a dozen saloons, gaudy night clubs, gambling houses, thriving mercantile businesses and hotels. Joseph G. McCoy's stockyards set Abilene on its way to becoming a booming cowtown, located at the end of the Historic Chisholm Trail.
Over 3 million head of Texas Longhorn cattle arrived in Abilene between the years of 1867 and 1872, to be shipped East by rail. Tom Smith and Wild Bill Hickok became famous for their attempts to maintain law and order on Abilene's legendary Texas Street. As the railhead moved west and the cattle trade waned, Abilene businessmen became entrepreneurs in other areas, and the community continued to grow.
C.W. Parker operated an amusement company south of Abilene, manufacturing hand-carved carousels and carnival equipment. Dr. A.B. Seelye's patent medicine company was known across the country. C.L. Brown founded United Telephone Company, which later became Sprint. And President Dwight D. Eisenhower grew to manhood with his five brothers in Abilene. First-class museums showcase the lives of these men.
Abilene has come to be known as the Greyhound Capitol of the World. The Greyhound Hall of Fame and National Greyhound Association headquarters are both located in the Abilene area. Greyhound kennels contribute to the area economy.
Abilene's history has been well-preserved in its quality Museums and beautifully restored Historic Homes. A diverse economic base is supported by several manufacturing firms and a growing service industry. Thousands of visitors from around the world travel to Abilene each year to tour and shop in the growing number of antique and specialty gift shops.
In keeping with President Eisenhower's People To People program, Abilene is proud to have Minori, Japan as its Sister City. Since 1984 a variety of exchange programs have been conducted between the two cities.
Located at the end of the junction of Interstate 70 and K-15 Highways, Abilene has a proud and colorful history. As the official end of the Chisholm Trail, Abilene has grown from a small cowtown community to a thriving town of 6,400 with a diverse economic base. Thousands of visitors from around the world travel to Abilene each year to tour museums, attractions and mansions in the hometown of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Abilene has many Antique Shops, and Bed and Breakfast's to add to its uniqueness, and attractiveness.
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