With a population of 100,000, Midland sits in the middle of the rich west Texas oil producing region known as the Permian Basin. Established in 1885 as a railroad stop along the Texas and Pacific Railroad and named for its location midway between Fort Worth and El Paso, the city's economy was based on agriculture until the oil boom began in 1929, bringing dramatic population growth.

The downtown skyscrapers of Midland rise dramatically from the flat west Texas desert. The city has become the "home office" of the oil field and as a result Midland has an unusually large number of high-rise buildings for a city of its size. This has earned it the nickname "Little Dallas" and lends a decided "big city" feel to Midland. The city also boasts its share of wealthy citizens and the shops and services that accompany them. Theatre Midland is home to the Midland Community Theatre with performances of plays, dance, and musicals. The Midland/Odessa Symphony Orchestra also offers regularly scheduled performances. While downtown, don't miss Centennial Plaza and its waterfalls, terraced landscaping, an outdoor concert area and picnic areas.