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XIT Ranch


category : Ranches
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 & Investment Company of London, operated the immense spread that covered parts of 10 present counties. The north fence was 200 miles from the south fence; east-west distance was 27 miles, and 3,000 miles of barbed wired delineated hundreds of pastures, pens, residences and forage enclosures. Initial stocking herd of cattle numbered 110,721 head. Over the years, XIT lands have been divided and sold to "smaller" ranchers, some of whom control 100,000 acres or more.


Address: Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Come visit us in Dalhart, Texas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

XIT Historical Museum

Wealth of exhibits include XIT Ranch, railroad antiques, Indian artifacts, frontier firearms, cowboy clothing, saddles and tack. Also completely furnished kitchen, parlor and bedroom, c. 1900, and frontier chapel with pump organ.

Dalhart, TX Museums

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

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

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

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