Breckenridge is located northeast of Abilene where US 180 and US 183 meet, near the Hubbard Creek Reservoir.
Established in 1876, it was named for John C. Breckenridge, vice president under James Buchanan, 1857-61. Large production oil wells discovered in 1916-17; boom exploded in 1920 when town leaped from population of 1,500 to 30,000 in 12 months. As in most cases, boom soon faded. Today it is the seat of Stephens County, retail and shopping center for ranching activities, location of petroleum-related and other industries.