It’s easy to take for granted what your city is known for! Whether you’ve lived here all your life or you’re new to the city, there’s bound to be some facts you’ve never heard before. Below are a few of our favorite tidbits about Odessa, Texas.

What’s in a Name?

Believe it or not, 12 states have a city called Odessa. Perhaps we’re a bit biased, but we think Odessa, Texas, is most notable! But just where did we get the name? The story goes that a railroad officiant noticed similarities between our shortgrass prairie ecosystem and that of Ukraine’s steppe landscape – and evidently the name Odessa just sounded right!

Odessa Meteor Crater

An impact crater 550 feet in diameter, the Odessa Meteor Crater is one of only three impact crater sites in Texas. Located in the southwestern part of Ector County, the crater is roughly 20,000 years old according to Encyclopædia Britannica. Want to see it for yourself? Head 3 miles south of Interstate 20 off Exit 108. There, you’ll find a small museum and the crater itself.

Former Home of Presidents

Odessa has been home to many a number of notable people, but most famous of all has been the Bush family. Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush lived in the city, and left an impact on the family. Indeed, President George H.W. Bush remarked, "At Odessa we became Texans and proud of it."

Be sure to check out our blog for more posts on local and lifestyle topics.