History

How this place came to be

1. Before 1840

   The Spring

   A rare dependable water source on the southern plains, drawing Comanche, Kiowa, bison herds, and later, cattlemen.

2. 1881

   The Railroad

   The Texas & Pacific laid track through town, and Big Spring grew overnight as a division point.

3. 1920s–30s

   Oil & the Settles

   An oil boom funded the Settles Hotel (1930), a 15-story Art Deco landmark that still anchors downtown.

4. 1942–1977

   Wings of War

   Big Spring Army Airfield, later Webb AFB, trained thousands of pilots. Hangar 25 keeps the story alive.

5. Today

   Living Heritage

   Museums, restored theatres, and Scenic Mountain State Park carry the past forward.