Midland was founded in 1885 as a railroad stop on the barren west Texas plains, and was named for its location midway between Dallas/Fort Worth and El Paso. Since then, Midland has served as a center for agriculture, ranching, and transportation for the southern plains.
Midland was a relatively small city until the 1920's, when oil was discovered nearby. The city was quickly transformed into the administrative center of the Permian Basin- one of the world's largest petroleum producing regions. Today, nearly 20 percent of America’s oil and gas reserves are located in reservoirs deep beneath the surface of the Permian Basin. Even today, thousands of people work in downtown Midland in the oil business. Midland has always been heavily influenced by the oil business, and nowhere is this more visible than downtown, where the streets are lined by high-rise office buildings constructed by oil companies. The First National Bank Building is reputably the tallest building between Fort Worth and Phoenix, and the Wilco Building is only a little shorter. The Petroleum Building is a beautiful example of architecture from the roaring twenties, while Claydesta Center showplaces the splendour of the heyday of Midland's Oil Business. Midland boasts one of the highest rates of highrise office space per capita in the country.
The area’s low humidity, combined with warm days and cool nights, contributes to the year round comfort of Midlanders. Residents enjoy over 300 sunny days each year. The average heat index for Midland during the summer is lower than that in Dallas, San Antonio or Austin. During the winter, the climate is mild, similar to other desert climates in the southwest.
A combination of factors, including a low crime rate, ample water supplies, quality law enforcement & fire protection, and clean wide streets, result in a sense of security and a high quality of life.
Eat
Breakfast
Local donut and coffee store very popular with the locals. There are several locations located across town.
Lunch
Located only a block away from Miz B's and also in "Old Midland", this drugstore has also been serving Midlanders for a long time. It features a 50's era diner that serves out outstanding milkshakes & malts, and also provides normal fare sandwiches and lunch as well.
Mexican
Rosa's is a local chain serving sit-down style Mexican food. Rosa's has locations on Andrews Highway, Big Spring St, and Midland Dr.
Though only having been open for roughly three years, Oscar's Super Burrito is quickly becoming a Midland staple that has to experienced with any visit to Midland. Address/Phone: 4306 Neely Ave / (432) 699-0242
Italian
A must experience for eating, quaintly tucked away in a little shopping center on Andrews Hwy, Dino's is a locally run authentic pizzeria that has provided Midland's appetite for tasty pies for over 15 years.
Address/Phone: 4322 Andrews Hwy Site B / (432) 699-7175
This restaurant serves Northern Italian cuisine including fresh veal, seafood, pastas, and steaks, complemented by a large selection of high quality wines. They are open daily...
