Just around the corner on the 10th Street side is the Hartley County Jail. Constructed as the same red brick as the courthouse, the jail features high arched, barred widows. Constructed in 1908, the jail is still in use today.

On the opposite end of town at Fifth and Railroad Streets sits the XIT Ranch House, headquarters of what was the once the largest ranch in the world under fence in the 1880s. Destined in 2008 to be dismantled and moved to the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock for reconstruction, the historic building remained in Channing thanks to vigorous mobilization and fund-raising by local citizens. 

Channing is also home to the Saddle Mount Cowboy Church, whose Facebook posts will keep you up to date on all their goings-on.

Thirteen miles north of Channing on US 385/US 87, the town of Hartley is home to the original Hartley County jail. Built in 1892 and not in service since 1903, the roof has fallen in but the white stone walls remain intact. And while you're there, stop in for a bite to eat: the Sunshine Cafe lists its specials daily on their Facebook page.

But if you didn't take advantage of meal or restroom stop further down the highway, another 13 miles north brings you to Dalhart. The southern part of the lies in Hartley County, while the area to the north lies in Dallam County. As the largest city in Hartley County, Dalhart has a number of worthwhile attractions. Among them is Lake Rita Blanca Park. Located just south of Dalhart on US-385/US-87 at FM 281, the park is known as a wonderful area for bird watching and also offers hiking, horseback riding, biking, and nature trails.

The Dalhart Municipal Airport, originally opened as Dalhart Army Airfield in 1942, and becoming the property of the City of Dalhart in 1945, serves the regional needs of private aircraft. While the airport does not serve any commercial flights, it gladly serves the general public, with an on-site restaurant where patrons can watch flights coming and going or just enjoy the sunset, and appreciate the sophisticated design of the airport's lobby area (photos above and below), which displays original art and historic photographs.

Dalhart's best known event is the XIT Rodeo and Reunion. After the breakup of the XIT into smaller ranches, The Dalhart reunions started in 1937 as a way for cowboys who had worked on the XIT Ranch to gather and reminisce about life in days gone by. The rodeo and free barbecue were added later, and the event was opened to the public. Attendance today generally triples the population of the town. The rodeo starts today, so mosey on out through Hartley County and enjoy the trip! 

AUGUST 6, 7, & 8, 2015 

The XIT Museum in Dalhart preserves the history of the famous ranch - and much, much more about the area's nature and wildlife, community and customs, transportation, and art and culture.