6 Historic Sites & Museums in Odessa, TX
Odessa, Texas can trace its founding to 1881 when the Texas and Pacific Railway extended its way across the state. The actual chartering of Odessa took place in 1886. In 1927 it was incorporated as a city under its first mayor, Mr. Mckinney.
The legacy of early ranching turned oil capital of Texas is evident as you drive the streets of old Downtown. Odessa’s economy is determined by boom and bust cycles in the oil and gas industry and once productive shopping centers are quiet. Besides this evidence of the past, there are multiple museums and historical sites to visit that showcase the past of Odessa.
From outer space phenomena to early ranchers’ residences, explore Odessa’s history at any of these sites, here’s our list of must-visit historical sites and museums in Odessa, TX.
Presidential Archives and Leadership Library
After President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Odessa leaders decided to create a museum honoring the late president. Donations came in and The Presidential Museum was created. It moved to the U.T. Permian Basin campus in 2002, and in 2010, became part of the University under the name it now carries. American history buffs will enjoy visiting the exhibits. Free.
4919 E University Blvd
Odessa, TX 79762
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Chris Kyle Memorial
Chris Kyle was a Navy SEALS war veteran and hero. He was born in Odessa, Texas so after his untimely death in 2013, the Chamber of Commerce put in plans to create a memorial for him, his unnamed teammates, and Navy SEALS members. Free.
The Historic White-Pool House
Given to Ector County in 1978, the White-Pool House was built in 1887. This preserved house turned apartment building in the 1920s is a small slice of West Texas history. You can book or tour or rent the property for your next event. Tours are free.
112 E. Murphy Street
Odessa, Texas
Hours: Fridays & Saturdays 10:00AM to 3:00PM
Odessa Meteor Crater
Discovered in 1982, it wasn’t until the 1920s that the crater was identified as caused by a meteorite. In 1979 the crater site (the second largest in the US) which had at one point been sold to a railroad company, was donated to Ector County. You can walk inside the crater and visit the Odessa Meteor Crater Museum for more information on these natural phenomena. Free.
5599 Meteor Crater Rd
Odessa, TX 79763
Museum Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Parker House Museum
Opened to the public in 1966, the Parker House is a piece of preserved history of the Cattle and Ranching Industry in West Texas. Inside the house you’ll be able to see the 1908 wedding clothes of then owner Parker and his wife Bessie while upstairs you can view photos and paraphernalia from the early days of a wealthy ranching family. Free but donations appreciated.
1118 Maple Ave
Odessa, TX 79761
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM
The Bush House
Although the Bush home in Midland is better known, the Bush family did live in Odessa in 1948 before moving to California and then returning to the area in 1950 in Midland. It has been restored to look like the morning of Christmas for a then 2 year old George W. Bush. Free.
4919 E University Blvd
Odessa, TX 79762
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Check our long post on things to do in Odessa, TX.