Abilene, Texas

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;

Dyess Air Force Base

Home of Air Combat Command's historic 7th Wing. Currently flies B-1B Lancers and C-130H Hercules. The base's Linear Air Park contains 30 aircraft from World War II to the present. Aircraft are displayed along Arnold Blvd., a main base thoroughfare.

Center for Contemporary Arts

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.