• 1699 S. 1st St. • Abilene, TX

About Abilene Heritage Square

A contemporary learning center open to all.

The historic campus has witnessed generations of our community – memories have been created, educational pathways formed, and futures forged. Its purpose, then and now, focuses on opportunities for all. Abilene Heritage Square will serve as a multipurpose hub for lifelong learning, art and cultural attractions, and innovative activities and programming. It will enhance the lives of residents throughout the region and encourage further growth and development.

Estimated Regional Impact

Abilene Heritage Square will serve as a gateway for educational opportunities in Texas.

School districts in these counties send an average of 30,000 students to Abilene for educational enrichment every year.

History of Abilene

Abilene was established in 1881 by the Texas and Pacific Railway company. While it was originally a tent town, a proper city quickly began to emerge from the dusty streets. By the 1920s, Abilene’s population had grown considerably and a modern, vibrant, downtown life with new businesses and opportunities for entertainment was the heart of the town.

The opening of Camp Barkeley as a result of World War II introduced an entirely new dynamic to Abilene in the 1940s by bringing thousands of soldiers to the area. The presence of airmen in Abilene became permanent in 1952 when Congress approved the opening of Dyess Air Force Base.
Abilene has always prioritized education and worked to meet the growing town’s needs. By the 21st century, Abilene had two school districts as well as multiple private schools for its citizens to choose from. The commitment to education in Abilene can also be seen by its three universities and several colleges, the first of which opened in 1891.
Outside of the classroom, lifelong learning is encouraged by Abilene’s multiple museums and libraries, as well as other events that focus on education and the arts.

Preserving our Story

In 1923, well-known west Texas architect David S. Castle began construction on this Late Gothic Revival-style building. Castle contributed to the Abilene skyline by providing it with some of its most iconic buildings, such as The Historic Paramount Theatre.

In the 1920s, Abilene was rapidly growing which resulted in the need for more public schools. The decision was made to build a centrally-located high school on South First Street that would serve as a testament to Abilene’s dedication to public education. The high school opened in 1924, and would remain open as Abilene High until the new high school was built and opened in 1955 on Mockingbird and North 6th.

After the high school was relocated, the building became Lincoln Junior High. A notable change occurred in 1969 when Black students joined the school’s White and Hispanic populus as Abilene schools integrated.
The building’s name changed once more in 1986 to Lincoln Middle School, which would be its name until its closure in 2007. Over the century that this building has stood, it has been a center of education as well as a symbol of the importance of learning to the Abilene community.