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Physical Features: Flat western county, broken by draws; sandy, loam soils with native grasses.

Economy: Among leading petroleum-producing counties; distribution, administrative center for oil industry; varied manufacturing; government/services.

History: Comanches in the area in the 19th century. Sheep ranching developed in the 1880s. Permian Basin oil boom began in the 1920s. County created from Tom Green County in 1885 and organized the same year; name came from midway location on the railroad between El Paso and Fort Worth. The Chihuahua Trail and Emigrant Road were pioneer trails that crossed the county.

Race/Ethnicity: (In percent) Anglo, 44.0; Black, 6.9; Hispanic, 46.0; Asian, 2.3; Other, 1.3; Two or more races, 1.7.

Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 3,032; deaths, 1,098; marriages, 1,269; divorces, 714.

Recreation: Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, Library, Hall of Fame; Museum of Southwest; Commemorative Air Force and Museum; community theater; metropolitan events; homes of Presidents Bush.

Minerals: Oil, natural gas.

Agriculture: Beef cattle, horses, sheep and goats; cotton, hay, pecans; some 7,400 acres irrigated. Market value $16.3 million.

MIDLAND (144,600) county seat; petroleum, petrochemical center; varied manufacturing; livestock sale center; hospitals; cultural activities; community college; polo club, Texas League baseball; Celebration of the Arts in May.

Part [1,670] of Odessa.

The Midland skyline. Photo by Robert Plocheck.