Texline Cemetery
Source: Parsons, Kim, Ref. to Texas Cemeteries, 1988; TxDot map 1936; Rootsweb; USGS; TxDot map 1997
To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.
The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.
A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.
The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
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.