Revealing the Bush Family Connection with Texas’ Permian Basin

Midland, Texas has strong ties to one of the most prominent families in American politics. Whether you are a supporter of their political policies, affiliations, or accomplishments, or not, the Bush family has a long history in the Permian Basin.

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George H. W. Bush

After graduating college, George Sr. moved to Midland to join the oil industry.  Serior and his wife Barbara moved to Midland in 1948 where they raised their young family.  Two years after moving to Midland, he co-founded Bush-Overbey Oil Development Company.  This company was later absorbed by Zapata Petroleum.  Bush Sr. found much success in the oil industry, which was how he funded his initial ambition to get into politics- where he became a Texas Governor, Vice President, and President of the United States.

George W. Bush

George W. Bush spent much of his childhood living in Midland.  He has even publicly said that growing up in Midland helped shape who he eventually became as a person. The family moved away in 1959 but W. eventually found his way back to Midland in 1975 to follow his father's footsteps by working in the oil industry.  He even met a Midland native (Laura Welch) who would eventually become his wife in 1977.  Like his father, W. founded an oil company before later getting into politics.

The Bush Home In Midland

It is clear that the city of Midland, Texas holds a special place in their hearts and that they both had a genuine love for the city's charm.  Since both of them went on to become powerful men, naturally the city wanted to preserve their history and ties to the area.  In 2004, the home was added to the National Register of Historic Places.  Today, visitors can visit the home and take a tour and learn about the history of the Bush family as they lived and worked in the Permian Basin.