Introduction to Odessa, Texas
Odessa, Texas, in Ector county, is 242 miles E of El Paso, Texas. The city is in the Odessa - Midland area.
Odessa History
Odessa was first settled in around 1881 when the Texas and Pacific Railway was extended across the south plains. In fact, the city's cattle industry flourished due to the railroad. Odessa became a major cattle-shipping center during the mid-1890s. The city was named after Odessa, Ukraine. Oil was discovered in this region in 1926. The city was also the one-year home of George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, former Presidents of United States.
Odessa and nearby Attractions
- Water Wonderland
- Monahans Sandhills State Park
- Ellen Noel Art Museum of the Permian Basin
- Presidential Museum
- Parker House Museum
Things To Do In Odessa
There are several parks and playgrounds in Odessa including Bellaire Park, Crump Park, Optimist Park, and Polyantha Park. The Ellen Noel Art Museum of the Permian Basin and Parker House Ranching Heritage Museum are worth visiting. Shopping can be enjoyed at the Music City Shopping Center, Town and Country Shopping Center, Rock Hill Shopping Center, Great Oil Basin Shopping Center, and Sherwood Shopping Center. In addition, the city hosts several annual events including the Fiesta West Texas, Shrimpfest, Permian Basin Fair and Exposition, and Southwest Shakespeare Festival.
Odessa Transportation
It takes a few minutes to reach Midland International Airport.
Odessa Higher Education
Odessa College, American Commercial College of Texas, The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, and Aladdin Beauty College are the local institutes offering higher educational facilities.
