History About Odessa, TX

Origins and Early Settlement

Odessa traces its origins to the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1881, which established a water stop and coaling station in the area. The tiny settlement was originally known as Eddy and located in Ector County, which had been created that same year.

The Name Odessa

In 1886, the town was renamed Odessa after the Ukrainian port city on the Black Sea. Why this name was chosen remains unclear, but some claim it was inspired by the Russian book “Odessa Tales” about Jewish life in that city. The new name was likely selected by railroad managers and investors.

Cattle Drives and Ranching

In Odessa’s earliest days, much of the economy centered around cattle drives headed further west. The Great Western Cattle Trail, which led cattle from southern Texas to markets in New Mexico, passed right through the Odessa area beginning in the 1870s.

Local ranchers like Christopher C. Slaughter and George W. O’Brien used Odessa as a stopover on their drives. Over time, they established large ranches in the region to raise cattle destined for northern markets.

Growth Around the Turn of the 20th Century

Arrival of the Railroads

Odessa began to grow in importance as a railroad junction in the late 1880s and 1890s. In addition to the Texas and Pacific Railway, the Southern Pacific Railroad established operations in Odessa in 1891, facilitating the shipping of goods and access for new settlers.

Population Growth

Odessa’s population surged from 243 residents in 1890 to 2,158 by 1900. As more homesteaders moved to the area to ranch and farm, new businesses sprung up, churches were established, and schools were founded.

Incorporation as a Town

On May 31, 1891, Odessa was officially incorporated as a town in Ector County. The first mayor, Jim Mills, was elected, along with aldermen for the fledgling town government.

By 1900, Odessa could boast a opera house, an ice factory, two banks, five hotels, and its own newspaper and telephone services.

Odessa as a Petroleum Boomtown

Discovery of Oil

Everything changed when oil was discovered 12 miles southwest of Odessa in 1927, ushering in an economic and population boom. Over the next decade, Odessa transformed from a small railroad town into a bustling oil business center.

The Great Depression Years

While most areas struggled during the 1930s, the oil business allowed Odessa to continue expanding despite the Great Depression gripping the nation. The population shot up from 5,496 in 1930 to 16,202 by 1940.

Wartime and Postwar Growth

World war brought further economic stimulation, followed by a surge of new residents in the postwar period looking for work. By 1950, Odessa’s population exceeded 37,000 and over 100,000 by 1970.

Infrastructure Development

Major infrastructure projects kept pace with Odessa’s rapid growth during these decades:

  • 1937 – Odessa Municipal Airport opens
  • 1939 – First “paved” roads appear
  • 1951 – Odessa College founded
  • 1964 – University of Texas of the Permian Basin opens

Modern Odessa

Today, Odessa’s fortunes remain closely tied to oil, both the booms and busts. Recent shale drilling techniques like fracking have ignited new growth, along with efforts to diversify the regional economy. Odessa continues to reinvent itself while preserving its rich history as a frontier railroad town turned oil capital.

Economy

The Odessa economy revolves around these key industries:

  • Oil and Gas -Drilling, pipelines, transport, refineries, and oilfield equipment and services. The Permian Basin is the hub.
  • Healthcare – The two largest employers today are the Medical Center Hospital and Odessa Regional Medical Center.
  • Education – Odessa is home to the University of Texas Permian Basin, Odessa College, and three school districts.

Demographics

CategoryStatistic
Population (2020)123,334
Median Age31.8 years
White Alone (2020)60.6%
Hispanic/Latino (of any race)50.2%
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher16.9%

Key demographic data on Odessa (from the US Census Bureau).

Points of Interest

Notable attractions and events in Odessa include:

  • The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
  • Odessa Meteor Crater
  • Presidential Museum and Leadership Library
  • Annual Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred cycling race
  • Grapefest wine festival
  • Local parks and recreational sites

Outlook

Odessa has weathered oil busts and economic shifts over its 140+ year history. The entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of its residents ensures Odessa will continue adapting to meet the future, while preserving its unique frontier heritage.

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Directions

  • Take I-20 W, exit 119B to TX-335 Spur. Go 14 miles, turn left to E County Rd West, right to S County Rd 1130, left to E 52nd St, right to N Washington Ave, left to E Murphy St, right to Winchester Ave. Destination on right.
  • Take University Blvd east 16 miles, right to S FM 866, go 8 miles north, left to I-20 Frontage Rd, right on frontage 3 miles, left to Winchester Ave, go 0.9 miles. Destination on left.
  • Take TX-158 E 35 miles to Goldsmith, right to N Main St, go 6 miles north, left to E Murphy St, second right to Winchester Ave, go 0.2 miles. Destination on right.