Historical Marker

Heartland of Old XIT Ranch

Historical marker location:
615 Pine St., Dalhart, Texas
( at intersection of U.S. 87 & U.S. 385 -Dalhart)
Marker installed: 1968
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Great Texas ranch of international fame. Payment made in an 1882 contract for the construction of granite capitol building in Austin. As contractors, some out-of-state investors (headed by the wealthy Chicago merchants, John V. and Senator C.B. Farwell) built the largest state capitol in North America and received in payment 3,000,000-acres of land. The grant, 200 miles long and of varying widths (enclosed later by a 6,000-mile barbed wire fence), extended from near site of present Lubbock to the Oklahoma line 40 miles north of here. It included land in counties of Bailey, Castro, Cochran, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Hartley, Hockley, Lamb, Oldham, and Parmer. Trail Boss Abner Blocker delivered first herd to Buffalo Springs in 1885 and scratched the "XIT" in corral dust with boot heel to design famous brand. Although its land was parcelled and sold, the XIT lives in Texas memories -especially here, 32 miles south of its Buffalo Springs headquarters. Dalhart holds an annual XIT reunion with rodeo and parade featuring a horse with an empty saddle, in honor of range riders of the past. Permanent tribute to XIT cowboys is this "empty saddle" monument, designed by western artist Bobby Dycke, dedicated in 1940.

(1968)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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Texas random facts
Dallam County, Texas, located in the northwestern part of the state, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa. These tribes hunted and roamed the land, leaving behind artifacts and evidence of their presence.

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.

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.