Dalhart Army Air Field
Historical marker location:Dallam and Hartley Counties’ generally flat terrain, thermal activity, dry, clear skies and a local bond to purchase more than 3,000 acres of land southwest of Dalhart resulted in the opening of a training site during World War II. In May 1942, Dalhart Army Air Field [DAAF] (U.S. Army Air Forces Glider School [USAAF]) opened. While under construction the command’s temporary headquarters operated from a tent city in Amarillo.
In Sept. 1942, cadets began arriving for training on the new Waco CG-4A “Hadrian” glider. Cadets honed their skills––takeoff, flight while in tow behind C-47s on 350 feet of nylon rope, holding position on a double tow & recovery techniques involving being snatched by a tow aircraft flying overhead––above the Texas panhandle. Cadets also learned infantry skills, as they were expected to serve as combat soldiers after landing.
DAAF’s training mission changed in March 1943, when the glider school transferred to the South Plains Army Air Field (Lubbock). DAAF's new assignment became the training of B-17 bomber crews as replacements for losses suffered from sorties in the European theater of operations. Cadets flew training missions over practice target areas in the panhandle, while fighter aircraft cadets practiced bomber escort duty at two satellite fields––Aux. #1 (Hartley) & Aux. #2 (Dallam)––built in 1943. However, combat needs late in the war once again altered DAAF’s mission.
By early 1944, America’s strategic bombing needs lay in the Pacific and several bombardment groups (B-29s) trained at DAAF for deployment in thePpacific. One of these, the 393rd Bomb Squadron, 504th Bombardment Group–– later selected by Col. Paul W. Tibbets, jr.–– served as the core of a unit trained to drop atomic bombs on Japan in 1945. Thus, in little more than three years, DAAF and Dallam & Hartley counties were all impacted by the evolving demands of the U.S. war effort. In Dec. 1945, DAAF closed bringing an end to the USAAF presence in Dallam & Hartley counties.
TEXAS IN WORLD WAR II – 2009
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The Spanish were the first Europeans to explore the region in the 16th century, but it was not until the mid-19th century that the area began to see permanent settlement. In 1876, Dallam County was officially established, named after James Wilmer Dallam, a lawyer and early settler in the area. The county seat, Dalhart, was incorporated in 1901.
The late 19th century saw the arrival of cattle ranchers, drawn by the open range land and abundant grazing opportunities. The XIT Ranch, one of the largest cattle ranches in the world, operated in Dallam County from 1885 until 1912. The ranch brought economic prosperity to the area, but also led to conflicts with Native American tribes and tensions with neighboring counties.
With the arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century, Dalhart experienced a boost in development and became an important transportation hub for the region. Agriculture, particularly wheat farming, also became a significant part of the local economy. Dallam County has since continued to thrive as a rural community, with a mix of agricultural and oil production, as well as a growing tourism industry due to its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Dallam County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dallam County, Texas.
- 1876 - Dallam County is officially established on August 21.
- 1898 - Dalhart, the county seat, is founded as a railroad town.
- 1901 - The first post office opens in Dalhart.
- 1908 - XIT Ranch, one of the largest ranches in Texas, is divided and sold for settlement.
- 1909 - Dalhart becomes an incorporated city.
- 1910 - Dallam County builds its first courthouse, a two-story brick building.
- 1920s - Agriculture becomes a prominent industry in the area, with wheat and cattle being major contributors to the local economy.
- 1931 - The Dalhart Army Air Base is established during World War II.
- 1942 - The Dallam-Hartley Electric Cooperative is formed to bring electricity to rural areas of the county.
- 1960s - Manufacturing and industrial development begin to grow in Dalhart.
- 1972 - The current Dallam County Courthouse is built.
- Late 20th century - Dalhart's economy diversifies, with oil, gas, and wind energy becoming significant sectors.
- 2012 - The Dalhart Windberg Museum opens, showcasing the paintings of artist Dalhart Windberg.