MIDLAND COUNTY, TX HISTORY AND LOOKUP

County History Books

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Midland County, Texas: A Genealogical Overview

Midland County stands as the undisputed financial and administrative hub of the Permian Basin, one of the world’s most productive oil and gas regions. Its history is a dramatic story of transformation, from an arid, sparsely populated ranching frontier to a bustling epicenter of the global energy industry. The county’s nickname, “The Tall City,” reflects the downtown skyline built by immense oil wealth. For genealogists, tracing roots in Midland often means following the stories of ranchers who tamed the land and the wildcatters, geologists, and oilfield workers who flocked to the region seeking their fortunes.

I. County Formation and Evolution

Midland’s creation was directly tied to the westward push of the railroad, and its administrative history is relatively straightforward compared to many Texas counties.

  • 1885: County Formed and Organized: Midland County was officially created and organized in the same year, on March 4, 1885. This simplifies the search for early records, as the county began keeping its own books from its inception.
  • Parent County: It was formed entirely from the vast territory of Tom Green County. Any legal transactions or records for settlers in the area before March 1885 would be located in the records of Tom Green County.
  • Subsequent Formations: A small southern portion of the county was partitioned off to help form Crane County in 1887. Otherwise, its boundaries have remained stable.
  • Name Origin: The county and its seat are named for its location midway between Fort Worth and El Paso on the Texas and Pacific Railway line, a practical name that reflects its origins as a railroad town.
  • County Seat History: The city of Midland was designated as the county seat upon the county’s organization in 1885 and has held that distinction ever since.

II. Settlement and Early History

  • Early Inhabitants: The region was traditionally the domain of nomadic Comanche and Apache groups who hunted across the Southern Plains.
  • Ranching and the Railroad: The county’s existence began with the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1881. The railroad provided access to markets, attracting ranchers who established large-scale cattle and sheep operations on the open range. The fledgling town of Midland was founded as a section house and cattle shipping point.
  • The Permian Basin Oil Boom: While ranching established the county, oil defined it. The 1923 discovery of the Santa Rita No. 1 well in a neighboring county proved the immense potential of the Permian Basin. Midland, with its existing railroad infrastructure and central location, quickly evolved into the business and geological headquarters for the ensuing oil boom.
  • Key Historical Events:
    • A Global Energy Center: Following World War II and through subsequent booms in the 1950s and 1970s, Midland solidified its status as a global energy capital. This influx of capital and professional talent created a unique and cosmopolitan city in the middle of West Texas.
    • Presidential History: The city gained national prominence as the childhood home of First Lady Laura Bush and President George W. Bush.

III. Genealogical Records and Resources

Midland’s status as a regional hub means it has excellent resources for genealogical research.

  • County Courthouse: The Midland County Courthouse, located at 500 N. Loraine St., Midland, TX 79701, is the primary repository for official records.
    • County Clerk: This office is the most vital stop for genealogists, holding all land records (including crucial oil and gas leases), probate records (wills and estates), and vital records (birth, death, marriage) from 1885.
    • District Clerk: This office maintains the records of the district courts, including all divorce proceedings and other major civil and criminal cases.
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth and Death Records: Statewide registration in Texas began in 1903. The County Clerk’s office holds the county’s official birth and death certificates.
    • Marriage Records: Marriage licenses from 1885 to the present are held by the County Clerk.
  • Libraries and Societies:
    • Haley Memorial Library and History Center: This is a premier research institution in Texas. While a private library, it is open to researchers and has an extensive collection focused on Western history, the cattle industry, and local Texana, including significant genealogical resources.
    • Midland County Public Libraries: The downtown Centennial branch has a dedicated Genealogy and Texas History collection with access to databases, microfilm, and published family histories.
    • Permian Basin Genealogical Society: This active society serves Midland, Odessa, and the surrounding region, providing valuable resources and local expertise.
    • The Petroleum Museum: This museum’s archives provide invaluable context on the industry that shaped the county and may hold records and employee information related to various oil companies.
  • Bordering Jurisdictions:
    • Martin County (north)
    • Glasscock County (east)
    • Upton County (south)
    • Ector County (west)

Please share any resources you have and will do lookups or links to resources you are aware of. Thanks