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XIT RANCH
The XIT Ranch was a cattle ranch in the Panhandle of Texas which operated from 1885 to 1912. Comprising over 3,000,000 acres (12,000 km²) of land, it ran for two hundred miles (300 km) along the border with New Mexico, varying in width from 20 to 30 miles (30 to 50 km).
In 1879, the Sixteenth Texas Legislature appropriated 3,000,000 acres (12,000 km²) of land to finance a new state capitol. In 1882, in a special legislative session, the Seventeenth Texas Legilature struck a bargain with Charles B. and John V. Farwell, under which a syndicate, led by the Farwell's, agreed to build a new $3,000,000.00 Texas State Capitol and accept the 3,000,000 acres (12,000 km²) of Panhandle in payment.
The ranch started operations in 1885 and at its peak averaged handling 150,000 head of cattle within its 1,500 miles (2,400 km) of fencing. The ranch also erected 325 windmills and 100 dams across its land. The cattle on the ranch were constantly plagued by cattle rustlers and predators, especially wolves.
In remembrance of the massive ranch, the City of Dalhart, Texas hosts the XIT Rodeo & Reunion the first Thursday through Sunday of every August. The celebration includes three days of junior and professional (PRCA) rodeo events, the world’s largest free barbeque, three nights of live music, a mud bog competition, an antique tractor-pull and many other activities.
Trivia
The XIT is mentioned in the Charles Ives song, "Charlie Rutlage," about a poor ranch hand who gets killed.
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