What County Is Midland, Texas Located In?
Midland, Texas is a beautiful city that can be found right in the very heart of the Lone Star State. It is known for the arts, booming oil business, and modern scientific research. The city’s location has made it a center of transportation, commerce, and industry. It is a great place to explore when you are in Texas. However, some people who are visiting Midland, Texas for the first time may be wondering what county it is located in.
If you find yourself asking the same question, worry not! In this article, we are going to explore which county Midland, Texas belongs to and other essential details that you need to know about this county.
Overview of the County
Midland, Texas is a part of the Midland County. The county was founded in 1885 and its county seat, which is also the largest city, is Midland. The county has a total area of 902 square miles, with 898 square miles of land and 4.0 square miles, which is about 0.4%, of water. Midland County is located in the western part of Texas and it has a population of about 175,000.
The county has several cities and towns, but Midland, which is located in the eastern part, is the most populous. Of all the cities in the county, Midland is the only city that has a population of more than 100,000.
History of Midland, Texas
Midland, Texas was founded in 1881 and was named after the city’s position midway between El Paso and Fort Worth on the Texas and Pacific Railroad. At that time, the area was known for its cattle ranches and was relatively sparsely populated.
When Midland was established, it was considered to be a part of Tom Green County. However, in 1885, the city was designated to be a part of the newly-formed Midland County. The reason for this move was simply because there was a need for a separate county to avoid the high cost of traveling to San Angelo, the county seat of Tom Green County.
Interesting Facts and Notable Landmarks
Did you know that Midland, Texas is the birthplace of two U.S. presidents, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush? The Bush family has deep roots in the Midland, Texas community, and it has left an indelible mark on the city’s character and history.
There are several notable landmarks that can be found in Midland, Texas, namely, the Petroleum Building, the Bank of America Building, and the Midland County Courthouse. All of these buildings are famous for their unique styles and impressive architecture.
Midland County is also known for its petroleum industry. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century was what paved the way for the tremendous economic growth of the city and the county.
How Counties Make Local Laws
Counties in Texas are political subdivisions of the state, and they have the authority to enact local laws, levy taxes, and provide various services to their residents. As such, they have a lot of power when it comes to governance.
Midland, Texas belongs to the Midland County, and the local laws that are in effect in the county were enacted by the county commissioners’ court. The county commissioners’ court is composed of four elected commissioners and one elected county judge. They have the authority to adopt a budget, set property tax rates, and make decisions that affect the county’s operations.
However, it is important to note that the county government’s power is limited by the state constitution and the laws of the state of Texas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Midland, Texas is located in Midland County. The county is an essential part of Texas as it has a diverse economy and a booming oil industry. The city of Midland, which is the largest city in the county, is known for its impressive architecture, deep history, and remarkable people.
Knowing the county that Midland belongs to is important, especially for those who are visiting the city for the first time. Understanding the county is essential in knowing the local laws, the people’s way of life, and the overall culture of the place.