This city, founded in 1901, is the current seat of Dallam County. Dalhart, originally named Twist, was established at the junction of two railroads. The current name comes from a combination of the two counties, Dallam and Hartley, in which the city lies. This city now serves as a shipping point for cattle, grains and other agricultural products.
Things to do in Dalhart
Empty Saddle Monument
This monument is a favorite photo subject that stands at the north end of Dallhart's V-shaped underpass. It was designed by a cowboy after a widow asked that a horse bearing an empty saddle appear in the annual reunion parade in tribute to her husband.
LaRita Theater
This theatre is a beautifully restored structure that hosts both professional and amateur stage productions.
XIT Historical Museum
This museum hosts a wealth of exhibits from the XIT Ranch including railroad antiques, Indian artifacts, frontier firearms, cowboy clothing, saddles and tack. There is also a completely furnished kitchen Located at 108 East 5th Street. Open Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 5pm. Call 806-244-5390 for more information.
XIT Ranch
The XIT was the world's largest ranch under fence in the 1880s - a total of 3 million acres! The State of Texas granted the 3,050,000 acres of land in 1882 to a Chicago Corporation in exchange for the construction of a state capitol. An English company, the Capitol Freehold Land and Investment Company of London. Over the years, the XIT lands have been divided and sold to "smaller" ranchers, some of whom control 100,00 acres or more.
XIT Rodeo & Reunion
This event honors the old-time XIT ranch hands and celebrates the heritage of the huge ranch. It features a PRCA Rodeo, fiddlers contest and the world's largest free barbecue. Held the first weekend of August.
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