Abilene, Kansas, with a population of over 6,500, is the county seat of Dickinson County. It is located at the junction of Interstate 70 and K-15, at the official end of the Chisholm Trail. Abilene is the birthplace of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and is home to the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.

Abilene's reputation as the "wildest and wickedest town" formed as hundreds of cowboys arrived during the late 1800's, herding cattle along the Chisholm Trail. A crude little frontier town of 300 people, it grew almost overnight when it was discovered by Joseph G. McCoy and the cattle traders as the railroad was pushing west. It had the largest stockyards west of Kansas City and became a booming cow town with more than a dozen saloons, gambling houses, gaudy nightclubs and hotels. Thousands of visitors travel here to tour the many mansions, museums and attractions.

Abilene offers a wide variety of attractions such as the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, the Abilene Smoky Valley Excursion Train, the Great Plains Theater and the Greyhound Hall of Fame. Many Antique Shops and Bed & Breakfast's add to its uniqueness and charm. The Heritage Center of Dickinson County Museum in Abilene depicts life on the Plains during the pioneer movement. A stroll through the museum gives you a look at life on the prairie in the 1850's before statehood. Outside the museum is a display of an authentic pioneer village. Historic buildings were moved in from different regions to recreate an actual pioneer community. For just a dollar, one can ride the 1901 Parker Carousel, a complete hand-carved carousel built in Abilene at the beginning of the 20th century. Local festivals include the Western Heritage Festival, the Central Kansas Free Fair and Chisholm Trail Day.

Wichita Mid-Continent Airport is only 85 miles away with smaller municipal airports in Abilene, Salina and Manhattan. The Santa Fe and Union Pacific Railroads still serve the town. I-70 spans the nation, running through Abilene, and connections to I-135 are just twenty minutes away. Trucking services abound, including Roadway Express, Yellow Freight and Bailey Truck Lines. Many incentives are offered to entice new industries and businesses to the area. Several manufacturing firms and a growing service industry support a diverse economic base.

Abilene's school system offers two private schools along with a variety of public schools. Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, 45 miles away. Other cities in Dickinson County include Carlton, Enterprise, Hope, Manchester and Woodbine.

Abilene, Kansas is a growing, prosperous town. Visitors, new residents and businesses are warmly welcomed into this historic area, rich in western history and folklore.

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