Hispanic Market Report for Abilene, Texas
Overview of Area History
Abilene is located in Taylor County in central West Texas approximately 180 miles due west
of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Before the area was settled, cattle drives past through
the area to the northern cattle markets. It was also occupied by roaming buffalos and
hostile Indians.
The U.S. Army built a line of forts to protect the settlers and the Butterfield Overland
Trail. Fort Phantom Hill was built north of present day Abilene.
Abilene was founded in 1881 when area ranchers met with Texas & Pacific Railway
officials to persuade them to choose a new route through the site of what is now Abilene.
They named the town after the famous Kansas cattle shipping point.
Abilene Hispanic Barrios
Hispanics began to migrate to the Abilene area in significant numbers in the early to
mid-1910‘s and began to settle in the North 2nd to North 7th streets east of North
Treadaway Blvd. Early Hispanics named the barrio “Barrio de los Sancudos”, for
the pesky insects that breed in a nearby creek. As Hispanics began to arrive to the city
and began to contribute to the local economy, they began to move south to an area south of
E.S. 7th and South Treadaway. The barrio that sprang up was called “Barrio de la
Culebra” (Goodlow area). This area was notorious for flooding, in the 1960s the
residence were relocated to other parts of the city.
The last major Hispanic barrio that developed was in the 1950s, in north Abilene. The
barrio, “Barrio del Penjamo” was named for a popular song at the time. It is
located between North 18th to the south and Vogel Ave. to the north, between North
Mockingbird Lane to the west and Grape Street to the east.
Today, Hispanics live in all segments of the city and contribute to Abilene’s diverse
culture and economy.
Abilene’s economy is as diverse as its culture. It is comprised of manufacturing, is
a medical and agricultural center for the area and is home to several institutions of
higher learning. Dyess Air Force Base, home of the B-1 bomber, is also an integral part of
Abilene and its economy .
Demographics: 2000 U.S. Census:
Abilene total population is 115,930 100.0 %
White alone 79,712 68.8 %
Hispanic or Latino and race demographics
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
22,548 19.4 % 
Mexican 15,745
13.6 %
Puerto Rican 414
0.4 %
Cuban 41
0.0 %
Other Hispanic or Latino 6,348 5.5 %
Not Hispanic or Latino 93,382 80.6
%
Ethinic Distribution (in percent)
Ethnicity |
Abilene County |
|
Texas |
|
|
1990 |
2000 |
1990 |
2000 |
White |
77.8 |
68.8 |
60.8 |
52.4 |
Hispanic |
14.0 |
19.4 |
25.3 |
32.0 |
Black |
6.5 |
8.6 |
11.7 |
11.3 |
Asian |
1.3 |
1.3 |
0.3 |
2.7 |
American Indian |
0.4 |
0.4 |
1.8 |
0.3 |
Other |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.2 |
Two or more races* |
- |
1.4 |
- |
1.1 |
Cultural Life
Hispanic cultural life in Abilene is very active. Abilenians celebrate every major
Hispanic holiday with large fiesta celebrations, dances and music. Many citywide
celebrations are well established. These include the annual Cinco de Mayo Holiday, Diez y
sies de septiembre Mexican Independence Day and Hispanic Heritage Month.
During Hispanic Heritage Month cultural activities include banquets with featured speakers
that are supported by Abilene‘s civic leaders, members of the business community and
elected officials. The Grace Museum also features Hispanic cultural art and displays.
In 2002, for the first time, the Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA) recognized “Dia
de los Muertos.” All three of their galleries were dedicated to art and photography
celebrating “Dia de los Muertos.” Art classes were also held to further enrich
the community in Hispanic history. In December, the CCA sponsors “Las Posadas”
during the city’s monthly “Art Walk“ through historic downtown Abilene.
Dining
There is no lack of Hispanic cultural food establishments. From a full service restaurant,
buffets, cooking “a la parrilla” or a “burrito on the run”,
establishments can be found in all points of the city. Hispanic food is enjoyed by all
segments of the community.
Hispanic Media
Hispanics in the Abilene area are informed by all aspects of the bilingual media. Star
106.3 FM, has a format mix of the latest in Tejano, Norteno, and Latino music. In June
2004, Tejano KJTZ 106.9 FM aired to provide their listeners with a format in tejano
music.
National affiliate television station KTES Telemundo keeps the local Hispanics informed of
the local, state, national and world activities, as well as quality Hispanic programming.
Cable television also brings in a variety of Hispanics television stations to the city.
Abilene is served by three weekly Hispanic publications, Abilene Hispanic Guide, which
prides itself as the only Spanish language guide. The Tejano Times weekly
entertainment and La Onda weekly, which mostly covers the Hispanic night life. Hispanic
Abilene.com web site, also helps to keep the Hispanic community informed.
Hispanic organizations help college bound students
Abilene is home to three college universities, a state two-year college, state technical
institute and a graduate school of engineering. Hispanic civic groups and organizations
take pride in encouraging high school students to pursue higher education.
The Hispanic Leadership Council conducts college planning seminars for high school juniors
and seniors and their parents at the local universities. They also host the annual
Festival of the Americas during Hispanic Heritage Month to raise funds for scholarships.
The local League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) council plays host to one of
the largest Labor Day Softball Tournaments in the state of Texas. The tournament
consistently draws close to 100 men and women teams during the first weekend in September.
All proceeds raised from the tournament goes for college scholarships.
During the year the Hispanic Seniors Recognition Banquet Committee (HSRC) works with area
high school seniors to raise funds for a end-of-the-school-year banquet for seniors, their
parents and the community. The banquet recognizes deserving students with scholarships and
academic achievements.
The Abilene Child Centered Educational Support Services (ACCESS), which is located in the
predominately Hispanic neighborhood, Sears Park, conducts after-school programs for 3rd
through the 5th grade, computer classes for adults, English as a second language and job
placement services. All programs are designed to enhance the Hispanic quality of life.
Hispanic Social Life
Hispanics enjoy all aspects of social life. From watching their children compete in school
sports, shopping at the mall, walking in the many city parks or taking in the latest
movies. Night clubs, catering exclusively to Hispanics, feature live music of local and
professional talent or disc jockey music. Popular regional groups constantly play jigs in
Abilene and the surrounding area.
Prepared by:
Hispanic Abilene.com
P.O. Box 781
Abilene, Texas 79604
(325) 676-8975
info@hispanicabilene.com
Hispanic Abilene.com
"Connecting the
Hispanic Community"
P.O. Box 781
Abilene, Texas 79604
(325) 676-8975
E Mail: info@hispanicabilene.com
Copyright 1999-2008 All Rights Reserved
Gracias Por La Visita-Thank You For Your Vist
