Abilene-Sweetwater, TX

Abilene is a former watering hole and junction where the Chisolm Trail met the railroad. Today the area is largely supported by agriculture but also has some minor manufacturing, three small colleges and universities, and nearby Dyess Air Force Base. The town has a good set of arts and cultural amenities for a town its size, and has been recognized for its use of the arts to preserve and revitalize the historic district. The economy in Abilene was originally based on the livestock and agricultural sectors, but has since evolved and is now based strongly on Government, Education, Healthcare, and Manufacturing. The top employers are Dyess Air Force, Hendrick Health System, Abilene ISD.