XIT Ranch, Texas: History, Map, and Legacy
The XIT Ranch was one of the most famous and largest cattle ranches in Texas history. Covering over 3 million acres in the Texas Panhandle, it spanned parts of ten counties and played a crucial role in the development of cattle ranching in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
This article explores the history, map, and significance of the XIT Ranch in Texas. Whether you're interested in Texas ranching history, old Texas land maps, or just looking for information about the XIT Ranch's location, this guide has everything you need.
📍 XIT Ranch Texas Map
Origins of the XIT Ranch
The XIT Ranch was created in the early 1880s as part of a land exchange deal between the state of Texas and a group of investors. At the time, Texas needed a new state capitol building in Austin. Instead of paying for it outright, the state offered 3,050,000 acres of land in the Texas Panhandle to investors who would finance the construction.
📜 The Land Exchange Deal
- In 1879, the Texas Legislature passed an act allowing for the construction of a new state capitol.
- In 1882, a Chicago-based syndicate led by Charles B. and John V. Farwell agreed to build the new capitol in exchange for land.
- The land granted to the Farwell brothers covered parts of ten counties in the Texas Panhandle:
Dallam, Hartley, Oldham, Deaf Smith, Parmer, Castro, Bailey, Lamb, Cochran, and Hockley.
This deal resulted in the creation of the XIT Ranch, which became the largest fenced ranch in the world at the time.
🔥 Why is it Called XIT Ranch?
The XIT Ranch brand is one of the most recognizable in Texas ranching history. But where did the name "XIT" come from?
There are two popular theories:
- "Ten In Texas" – Some believe the name represents the ten counties the ranch occupied.
- A Practical Brand – Others say that rancher Abner Blocker designed the brand to be difficult for cattle rustlers to alter.
Regardless of its origin, the XIT brand became well-known throughout Texas and beyond.
🌾 Life and Operations on the XIT Ranch
Operating the largest ranch in Texas history was no small task. The XIT Ranch had thousands of cattle, miles of fencing, and hundreds of cowboys working the land.
🏕️ Divisions of the XIT Ranch
To manage such a large area, the XIT Ranch was divided into several divisions:
- Buffalo Springs – In Dallam County, used for raising steers.
- Middle Water – Located in Hartley County, where weaker cattle were kept.
- Ojo Bravo – Also in Hartley County, known for high-quality cattle.
- Rita Blanca – South of Channing, used for beef production.
- Escarbada – In Deaf Smith County, managed graded cattle.
- Spring Lake – In Lamb County, used for breeding.
- Yellow House – Located in Cochran and Hockley counties, used for general grazing.
Each division had its own foreman, cowboys, and support staff, making it a self-sustaining operation.
🏇 Cowboys of the XIT Ranch
The XIT Ranch employed up to 150 cowboys at its peak. These cowboys were responsible for:
- Herding and branding cattle.
- Maintaining fences and water sources.
- Protecting the herds from rustlers and predators.
Life on the XIT Ranch was tough, with long hours, unpredictable weather, and the constant challenges of ranching on such a massive scale.
📉 Decline and Sale of the XIT Ranch
While the XIT Ranch was successful for a time, it was ultimately sold off in pieces. The original plan was to sell the land to settlers over time, but economic challenges and falling cattle prices led to financial struggles.
- By 1901, land sales had begun.
- By 1912, most of the ranch had been sold off.
- The last of the XIT Ranch cattle were sold in 1915.
Despite its decline, the XIT Ranch's legacy remains a key part of Texas history.
🏛️ The Legacy of XIT Ranch
Today, the legacy of the XIT Ranch lives on in various ways:
- XIT Museum in Dalhart, Texas – Showcases artifacts and history from the ranch.
- XIT Rodeo & Reunion – An annual event celebrating the ranch's cowboy heritage.
- Historical Markers – Various plaques and landmarks throughout the Texas Panhandle highlight the ranch's significance.
The XIT Ranch may no longer exist, but its impact on Texas ranching, cattle history, and land development is undeniable.
Even though the XIT Ranch is gone, its story continues to fascinate historians, ranchers, and anyone interested in the wild history of Texas.
