Remember When Abilene Voted To Go Wet And Then Impact Dried Up

I remember when I was able to vote for the very first time, I was a senior at Abilene High School. I really wasn't planning on voting, but it was my English teacher Mr. Abernathy that addressed the class about those of us that were 18 years old and could really make a difference in the outcome of the election.

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While he never said vote this way or vote that way, he simply said "let your voice be heard." That last statement left a lasting impression on me because the election in 1978 in Abilene, Texas didn't matter who was running for office, it was more about whether we could buy liquor inside the city limits of Abilene.

How Many Exactly Voted Abilene Wet?

Besides back then it was legal for an 18-year-old to buy cigarettes and liquor, so it made sense for us to get out and vote. The election was so close that the city narrowly legalized liquor sales by a whopping 131-vote margin.

Up until then, if you wanted a bottle of whiskey, vodka, or rum, you'd make the mad dash to Impact, Texas on the northern Abilene city limits line. Within the 47 acres tiny town and its population of 60 plus residence, there stood two liquor stores and a grocery store.

Here's What Happened To Impact, Texas

After the legalization of liquor sales in Abilene, the neighbor to the north closed down and all that remains are memories and the buildings. If you want to go into Impact, Texas you'll see a sign that says "the roads are privately maintained" and the locked gates keep everybody out.

Two things I find curious, one is how many bars we have in Abilene now (see the list below.) The second is, that the Abilene City Council recently approved a task force to study a proposal allowing people to carry alcohol around with them downtown.