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Dalhart, Texas

Founded in 1901 at the junction of two railroads, Dalhart was known as the headquarters of the famous XIT Ranch, 3,050,000 acres which were deeded by the state to the Capital Syndicate of Chicago in exchange for building the Texas state capital in Austin.

The city was first called Twist, the designation of a railroad section, later Denrock, combining the railroad names, and finally Dalhart, a syllable combination of two counties (Dallam and Hartley) in which the town lies. Currently Dalhart is the seat of Dallam County and a shipping point for cattle, grains and other agricultural products.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

XIT Ranch

Famed XIT was world's largest ranch under fence in 1880s, three million acres! The State of Texas, far richer in land than cash, granted 3,050,000 acres of land in 1882 to a Chicago corporation for construction of state capitol. An English company, the Capitol Freehold Land &

Dalhart, TX Ranches

XIT Rodeo & Reunion

Honors old-time XIT ranch hands and celebrates the heritage of the huge ranch. Even features PRCA Rodeo, fiddlers contest, and the world's largest free barbecue the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday of August.

Dalhart, TX Rodeos

Empty Saddle Monument

A favorite photo subject, monument stands at north end of Dalhart's V-shaped underpass. Designed by a cowboy after a widow asked that a horse bearing an empty saddle appear in annual reunion parade in tribute to her husband, former XIT Ranch cowpoke. U.S. 87

Dalhart, TX Monuments

LaRita Theater

A beautifully restored theatre with professional and amateur stage productions produced by Dalhart Community Theatre.

Dalhart, TX Theatres

Lake Rita Blanca State Park

Fantastic opportunities for viewing and photographing various species of birds and other wildlife await visitors. In Oct., migrating geese stop over and the population has reached more than 100,000

Dalhart, TX State Parks

Things to do near Dalhart, TX

Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge

Founded 1935, oldest national wildlife refuge in Texas. Established principally for migratory waterfowl, also home of native ...

Garza County Museum

Features ranch, cowboy, and pioneer household items, Indian artifacts, room settings, period furnishings, typical frontier ch...

Comanche Trail Park

Home of spring that gave Big Spring its name; features 6,500-seat Comanche Trail Amphitheater. The 400-acre park offers swimm...

Dickens County Museum

Early pioneer and ranching heritage collection. Includes county, city, and area histories, photo gallery, antique furniture, ...

Mt. Blanco Fossil Museum

Exhibits include display of dinosaur fossils and casts; a complete replica of a 15-ft. mastodon, and much more. One of the un...