Abilene, Texas

Parks

31

Paramount Theatre

Fort Phantom Hill

Established 1851 to protect frontier from Indians, the post suffered a series of hardships; was abandoned in 1854. Historians say desertions were frequent due to monotony and loneliness. The fort burned shortly after abandonment;

Annual Armored Division Memorial Museum

Museum dedicated to honoring the Annual Armored Division, which trained in Camp Barkeley, near Abilene, and served during World War II. The "Hellcats"

Abilene Zoo

One of five largest in state; animals displayed in modern areas simulating natural habitat. Discovery Center is a "zoo within a zoo," housing comparative habitat displays of invertebrates, fish, reptiles, birds, and small mammals from the Southwestern U.S. and Africa.