Dalhart's strong economy is constantly in need of labor. The best source for job listings is the classified section of the Dalhart Daily Texan. To order a copy call 806-244-4511.
The largest employers are:
Dalhart Independent School District
Union Pacific Railroad
Cattle Feedlots (5)
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Premium Standard Farms
County/City Government
Frontier Fuel
Financial Institutions (6)
Communications Industry
Farm Service Retailers
Dallam/Hartley Counties Hospital District
Premium Standard Farms: Various Position
Applications available at the Dalhart Chamber office or call Eric at 806-377-6289 for more information.
Dalhart High School (806-244-7300), at 1802 E. 16th St., has an enrollment of more than 400 in grades nine through twelve. The average school ACT score is 21.2, while students taking the SATs have average math and verbal scores of 600. The high school boasts an annual graduating rate at or near 100 percent. The school offers advanced placement classes, an honors program and vocational education programs; there is even a class in Theater Arts. Eighty percent of graduating seniors go on to attend four-year colleges or universities. There are also numerous sports and extracurricular activities, and college credits totaling up to 12 hours. Dalhart High School students exceed state averages in both TAAS scores and attendance rates. Dalhart Junior High School (806-244-7825), at 801 Oak Street, is home to 325 students in grades six through eight, while Allyn Finch Intermediate School (806-244-7380), at 701 E. 10th Street, houses some 220 students in grades four and five. Students at Allyn Finch begin courses in advanced mathematics and the fine arts in grade four, while grade five students can choose to begin training on a musical instrument for participation in organized band. Foreign language study, lab science and home economics are offered at Dalhart Junior High beginning in grade six, while the opportunity to take part in drama productions comes in grade seven. Computer labs maintain technical training. Both Dalhart Junior High School and Allyn Finch students exceed state averages in both TAAS scores and attendance rates.
Dalhart Elementary School (806-244-7350), at 1401 Tennessee Avenue, has an enrollment of nearly 600 students in kindergarten through third grade. Kindergarten is offered as a full-day program. The Headstart Program (806-244-7367), which emphasizes the promotion of good reading skills, is housed in the elementary school. Dalhart Elementary students exceed state averages in both TAAS scores and attendance rates.
Computer training begins early, with computers in all kindergarten classes. English as a Second Language classes are available beginning in kindergarten. District wide, for grades kindergarten through twelve, Dalhart ISD participates in the HOSTS Learning Program, a research based learning system that accelerates student achievement in reading and math. Community volunteers work at the schools to help children with math and related skills.
Dalhart ISD has also partnered with other districts in the area to offer XIT Secondary School, an alternative school for students with needs not specifically addressed at mainstream campuses. Nontraditional students at the XIT campus work at their own speed through challenging material. Programs include traditional classroom study, online NovaNet curriculum studies, and day and evening GED classes. XIT also offers vocational training.
Private Schools and Area Independent SchoolsSt. Anthony's Catholic School provides a strong academic education combined with daily religious education, computer skills and heavy parental involvement for about 70 children in kindergarten through 6th grade. 806-244-4811 1302 Oak
Dalhart Christian Academy offers a Christian educational and academic program for approximately 87 students in pre-kindergarten through 6th grade. 806-244-6482 1000 E. 16th Street
Central United Methodist Preschool For ages 3 and 4 806-244-2306 517 Rock Island
Hartley Independent School District P.O. Box 56 Hartley, TX 806-365-4458 Grades K-12
Channing Independent School District P.O. Box A Channing, TX 806-235-3432 Grades K-12
Major Events / Festivals
XIT RODEO & REUNION
XIT Rodeo & Reunion - Held every year since 1925 to honor the cowboys who worked the ranch. Always the first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of August. Ten to twenty thousand attend the Rodeo, World's Largest Free Barbecue, Parade and much more. Contact the Chamber for more information. Telephone 806-244-5646.
Community Services
Healthcare Services
Name of Service
Description
Coon Memorial Hospital
Coon Memorial Nursing Home
Legacy, An Assisted Living Community
Coon Memorial Home Health Care
Coon Memorial Occupational Health Clinic
Dalhart Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
Dalhart Family Medicine Clinic
Advanced Eye Care
Coon Memorial Hospital (806-244-4571) is an acute-care facility offering Level IV trauma services. The hospital offers inpatient and outpatient services, 24-hour Emergency Room services, general surgery, general nursing, laboratory, radiology, physical and occupational therapy, swing-bed services, and general business and medical records services.
Coon Memorial Nursing Home(806-244-8555) is located on beautiful grounds connected to the hospital. The home offers a comfortable atmosphere with activities for residents and family members; semi-private and private rooms are available. Three levels of care are provided to best suit the needs of each resident. Legacy, An Assisted Living Community is located across Texas Avenue from Coon Memorial Nursing Home. Assisted Living is a combination of housing and personalized support services where each person receives customized care and attention. It is designed for the person who does not need the full range of services offered by the nursing home, but requires supervision or assistance with the activities of daily living. Legacy will offer three selections of resident rooms and residents bring their own furnishings to create a more home- like atmosphere. Coon Memorial Home Health Care (806-244-8738) offers nursing care to homebound patients. Coon Memorial Occupational Health Clinic (806-244-7790) provides area businesses with DOT testing, drug testing, hearing and other testing services, and also offers annual flu shots and other immunizations. Dalhart Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine (806-244-0015) offers a wide range of physical and occupational therapy services to improve your state of wellness and independence. Speech therapy services are also offered.
There are several providers meeting the health care needs of Dalhart area residents: Housed in Dalhart Family Medicine Clinic (806-244-5668) are Neel Kanase, M.D.; David Thetford, D.O.; and Sean Green, P.A. High Country Community Rural Health Clinic (806-249-8324) houses Bruce Schubert, P.A. and Janetta Bitting, N.P., while Randy Herring, M.D.(806-244-1013) and Matt Turner, M.D.(806-244-4753) are private practice physicians in their own clinics. Frederick Cramer, M.D., FACS and Jose Espinel, MD (806-244-3824) offers general surgery services along with .
Dr. Richard Dunham (806-249-5538) and Dr. Brian Alver (806-249-4853) offer dental services to local residents, while Dr. Steven Astuto (806-249-6260) provides orthodontic services. For eye care, residents can turn to the optometrists at Advanced Eye Care(806-249-6050). Chiropractic services are also available in the city. High Plains Hearing Aid Center (806-249-4224) offers hearing tests and equipment for the region.
Several pharmacies manage the prescription and medical needs of residents, including Bowers Prescription (806-249-4343), City Drug & Gift Store (806-244-2855), and United Pharmacy in United Supermarket (806-249-6167). Doctors and residents can find needed medical equipment through suppliers Med-Equip, Inc. (806-244-8508) and Panhandle Respiratory (806-244-2266).
Business
Dalhart has a strong economy based on production agriculture, health care, tourism, and state corrections. Capital investments planned for the next two years total $200 million.
Our Business Directory is searchable by Company Name, Contact Name, and Business Category.
Dalhart, Channing, Hartley, and Texline have churches representing many denominations. Church names underlined in blue indicate a web page link. A star denotes a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
COUNTY INFORMATION The city of Dalhart sits in two counties, Dallam County on the North and Hartley County on the South. The county judge is the presiding officer and a voting member of the commissioners court and the constitutional county court. The county judge for Dallam County is Judge David Field (244-2450), while the county judge for Hartley County is Judge Ronnie Gordon (235-3442).
Four commissioners are elected in each county from individual precincts. The commissioners and the county judge make up the county commissioners court, which is the governing body of the county. Dallam and Hartley Counties operate a bi-county court, which features four commissioners and a judge from each county.
CITY INFORMATION Dalhart is governed by the mayor (Kevin Caddell), a nine-member city council and a city manager (Greg Duggan, 244-5511). The city manager oversees 10 department personnel including the Police Chief (806-249-5544). The City of Dalhart manages water, sewer and garbage services for residents of the city. A full-time fire chief and 30 volunteer firemen operate the fire department, which has an excellent Fire Insurance Services Organization rating of 6.
LAW ENFORCEMENT Also providing law enforcement protection in the area are the Dallam County Sheriff's Department (806-249-2313) with 11 staff members, the Hartley County Sheriff's Department (806-249-2031) with seven staff members, and the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol (806-249-6334), with three officers stationed in Dalhart. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department maintains a presence as well, with a game warden in the region.
Communications
Dalhart is fortunate to have first-class infrastructure for most communications needs.
Internet - High speed internet is available through fiber optic or wireless.
Radio - KXIT 1240AM & 96.1FM has served the Dalhart community since 1954, KJIL 88.1 Contemporary Christian Music simulcast from Mead, Kansas.
Television - Three operators provide cable service through traditional cable wiring, fiber optic, and satellite. The television market is Amarillo with all major affiliates.
Telephone - Two service providers are available in the city limits; a rural cooperative serves outlying areas.
Motels
Our Motel Directory contains additional information about these properties.
The Mission Twin Theatre located in Downtown Dalhart has 2 screens showing 2 new movies Tuesday through Sunday starting at 7:00 pm. Call the movie line at 806-249-4241 for current movie information.
The Dalhart Bowl (249-6316) on Highway 54 West provides bowling fun for the entire family for a fun night out or sign up for leagues and tournaments throughout the year.
The XIT Museum (806-244-5390) offers a taste of the pioneer West through historical and period exhibits, farming and ranching displays, and extensive photographic documentation of bi-county history. The museum partners with local schools and art teachers to offer a visiting artist program. The newest exhibit at the museum will feature wildlife that are native to the area, some that are rare; the exhibit will also include hands-on learning activities. The XIT Rodeo and Reunion, held the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday in August each year, is a three-day festival of nonstop fun and good food. It hosts the world's largest free barbecue and includes one of the Panhandles largest street parades, nightly dances, a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo, performances by famed country and western entertainment, and more. For more information, call 806-244-5646 or click here for event schedule
The La Rita Performing Arts Theatre (806-244-6222) at 311 Denrock Avenue is a beautifully restored, 1930s period theatre offering community theater productions and other performing arts events. Built by W.L. (Wally) Hamilton as a movie theater, management of the La Rita was purchased by J.C. Parker. Mr. Parker had the theater remodeled in the summer of 1942. The seating capacity was increased, including 40 "love" seats. Air conditioning, new sound equipment and new projection equipment were installed, making the facility one of the most modern in the Southwest. Tours of the facility are available if you call ahead. Tickets for events can be purchased at the door or in advance through the Dalhart Area Chamber of Commerce office (806-244-5646).
The Dallam-Hartley County Library boasts more than 28,000 volumes, along with access to millions more through the Texas Panhandle Library System. The two counties split library costs. You can reach the library at 806-244-2761.
RECREATION
The Dalhart Country Club, (806-244-5596) on Highway 54 West, is a private country club offering an attractive, 18-hole golf course with a pro shop open year round, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and concessions.
City Parks, (806-244-5511). The City of Dalhart maintains five beautiful parks in various locations for residents and visitors to use and enjoy. The Swimming Pool Park at Tennessee & 16th Street, has a newly renovated outdoor swimming pool, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, playground equipment, picnic tables and newly added skate park. The Veterans Memorial Park at 7th & Rock Island, is home to the Dallam/Hartley Counties Veterans Memorial. This park features a walking trail, picnic areas, playground equipment and gazebo, perfect for gatherings. The Kella Hill Park at Kendrick and 3rd Streets, also features a gazebo, walking trails, picnic tables and playground equipment. The North Side Park at Dodson & Dallam Streets, has half court basketball, walking trails, playground equipment and picnic tables. Four tennis courts located at the Dalhart High School on 16th Street are available for public use.
The Lake Rita Blanca Park, located on FM 281, was once the northernmost state park in Texas, but is now owned and maintained by the City of Dalhart. Located on Farm to Market Road 281, Lake Rita Blanca is a prime recreational spot for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. The park has a 150-acre lake surrounded by 1,668 acres of fun. The lake is an excellent location for bird viewing throughout the year, but during the winter months it is beyond compare. The hiking/biking/horse trails around the area make it perfect for wildlife viewing. The lake area is available for tent camping; the fee is $3. The City has made many improvements including new restrooms, new playground equipment and better hiking/biking/riding trails and roads. The City plans to continue improving the lake area by adding lookouts for bird watching and adding more signs to aid park visitors.
The newest addition to the Lake Rita Blanca is the Picnic Pavilion Park. This contemporary park features a large covered pavilion with picnic tables and a stage area. The newly constructed state-of-the-art play equipment includes two rock climbing walls and a moving stepping stone entrance, perfect for all ages. This area is closed to the public at 10 p.m. nightly. For further information, contact the City of Dalhart at 806-244-5511. The Rita Blanca National Grasslands (505-374-9652) are managed by the United States Forest Service and encompass 77,463 acres in Texas, along with 15,860 adjacent acres in Oklahoma. Each year recreation at the national grasslands continues to grow. Visitors hike, bird watch, hunt, ride horses, use off-road vehicles in designated areas or simply enjoy the outdoors. Picnic facilities are available at Thompson Grove, about 14 miles northeast of Texline, Texas. Youth and Adult Association Leagues offer league play and tournaments for the whole family. Adult Summer Softball, youth football, baseball and much more is offered in Dalhart. The City of Dalhart recently renovated the little league ballparks and added two new adult softball fields complete with restroom facilities and a concession stand.
MONUMENTS The Sesquicentennial Monument was erected outside the Dallam County Courthouse in 1986 in celebration of both the state sesquicentennial and the 50th anniversary of the XIT Rodeo and Reunion. The granite monument depicts the state outline highlighted by the XIT Ranch shape.
Dalhart's Empty Saddle Monument, just north of the Highway 87 underpass, commemorates the pioneers who died settling the Panhandle. The empty saddle is symbolic of all the cowhands and pioneers who built the town. The monument was designed by local artist Bobby Dycke and built in 1940. The James R. Fox Memorial was erected in 2003 outside the Dallam County Courthouse. Donated to the City by the Peoples Republic of China, the monument is in remembrance of James R. Fox, who flew rescue missions during World War II for the Hump Pilots Association.
The Veterans Memorial Park, formerly known as 7th Street Park, now features The Dallam/Hartley Counties Veterans Memorial. This was a grassroots project that began with an idea and was funded by donations from the community. The memorial will honor all who served our country in all branches of the military in peacetime or wartime. The entry to the memorial honors those who were killed or are missing in action. In addition to the stones containing the names of our veterans, three stones will give a brief history of the U.S. Wars and conflicts. The memorial is lighted for nighttime viewing. This is a perpetual care memorial, so names will continue to be added as men and women from the area continue to serve our country.
Relocation
Moving to Dalhart, let the Chamber of Commerce help take the stress out of moving. On this page you will find links to rental lists, contact information for utilities and other information about the Dalhart community to help you make the transition with ease.
The Dalhart Area Chamber of Commerce will gladly send any information you need by mail or by fax. Contact the Chamber by phone at 806-244-5646, by fax at 806-244-4945 or by e-mail at chamber@dalhart.org or stop by 102 E. 7th Street in Dalhart.
Rental property available in Dalhart is updated monthly, but is not a complete list of all property that is available. A list of rental property owners can be obtained by contacting the chamber office. There are several apartment complexes throughout the community and are owned by various individuals and businesses.
Area Public Utilities Electric Companies City-Xcel Energy (deposit required) Deposit is computed based on prior energy usage of property being turned on. Refunded after one year. Rural-Rita Blanca Electric ($86.00 deposit required, plus $5.00 membership fee, returned on disconnect.
Gas Companies City-Atmos Energy 1-888- 363-7427 ($8.00 hookup charge is gas is on, $15.50 if gas has to be turned on, $18.00 to set meter.) Rural-West Texas Gas 806-244-4513 (deposit required) Rural-North Texas Gas 806-244-4535 ($50.00 deposit required or letter of credit required.)
Telephone Companies City-Valor Telecom 310 Rock Island (deposit may be required, refunded after service is established. 1 year for residential and 2 years for business.) 806-349-1100 City and Rural-XIT Rural Telephone 1625 Tennessee (deposit may be required) City-806-244-3355 Rural-806-384-3311
Water, Garbage and Sewer City- City of Dalhart (A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is required that will be applied toward the last month's bill.) Dalhart Municipal Building 205 Rock Island 806-244-5511
Cable/Satellite Television Allegiance Communications-1619 Tennessee (contact office for list of charges and services) 806-249-4820 Valor Telecom-Dish Network-310 Rock Island (deposit may be required, call for channel listing and prices.) 806-249-1100 XITv-1624 Tennessee (Deposit may be required, call for channel listing and prices.) 806-244-3355
Internet Service Providers Allegiance Communications-1619 Tennessee (deposit may be required, cable modem service is offered. Call for service pricing) 806-249-4820 Valor Telecom - 310 Rock Island (deposit may be required, dial-up and high speed DSL are offered. Call for service pricing) 806-249-1100 XIT Communications - 1624 Tennessee (deposit may be required, dial-up and high speed DSL are offered. Call for service pricing) 806-244-3355
Media Services Print - Published 3 times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) - The Dalhart Texan Newspaper. Radio - KXIT 1240AM & 96.1FM has served the Dalhart community since 1954, KJIL 88.1 Contemporary Christian Music simulcast from Mead, Kansas.
Dalhart has restaurants serving up a variety of cuisines in settings for any taste. Our Restaurant Directory has location & phone numbers.
American
Bakery
Barbecue
Chinese
Deli
Fast Food
Mexican
Pizza
Specialty
Steaks
Airport Cafe
Bar-H Steak House
Dairy Queen
El Camino
Extreme Cuisine
Hodies Barbecue
Jasmine Chinese
La Espanola II
Mazzios Pizza
Rookies Sports Cafe
Sands Restaurant
Senior Citizens Center
Sonic
Subway
United Supermarket
Tourism
Let the Dalhart Chamber of Commerce book your hotel stay with one of our member properties. Our city has a good selection of motels, a campground, and even horse boarding for equine travelers.
Dalhart is located in the northwest corner of the Texas Panhandle and straddles Dallam and Hartley Counties. Dalhart is uniquely located at a crossroads with four other states: New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma. Dalhart is the Dallam County seat and is just 85 miles northwest of Amarillo, 46 miles southeast of Clayton, New Mexico and 71 miles southwest of Guymon, Oklahoma. Dalhart serves as the centerpiece of the bi-county area that also includes the cities of Texline and Kerrick in Dallam County and Hartley and Channing in Hartley County.
History
Dalhart was platted on May 1, 1901 by W.J. Blair and Charles W. Thornton, as the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway was built west from Liberal, Kan. The town was briefly known as "Twist Junction," but finally took the name Dalhart from the two counties in which it lies, Dallam and Hartley Counties. Dalhart was first incorporated in 1902.
However, our roots are actually much deeper, going all the way back to 1885 when the XIT Ranch was the largest fenced range in the world, covering parts of 10 Texas Panhandle counties. The ranch was originally created when the Texas Constitutional Convention set aside some 3 million Panhandle acres to be used for funding a new state capitol. No action was taken until 1881, when fire destroyed the existing state capitol. At that time, a deal was made with Charles and John Farwell of Chicago, whereby they would build a $5 million red granite Texas Capitol building in exchange for receipt of the 3 million acres. By 1885, the ranch ran 150,000 head of cattle. The XIT got its name from its brand, which was difficult to alter and therefore discouraged rustling.
Dalhart grew quickly as a shipping center for the XIT and other area ranches. Growth was also spurred when notable well driller C.E. Williams built the town's first water tower in 1906, meaning residents no longer had to pay 20 cents per barrel for the precious commodity.
Railroad routes determined where towns located and how well they would grow and prosper, and Dalhart was no exception. The first town lots were sold for $10-$25 in 1901, and within a decade or so the town boasted a population of 3,500. By now the railroads of Enid, Ochiltree and Western, along with other small railways, had Dalhart on their lines, and the city was home to three banks, a flour mill, a large grain elevator, a planning mill, modern utilities, a hospital, an ice plant and several hotels. Dalhart was also among the first towns to sell oil leases.
Our prairies were settled under Homestead laws, but after years of farming, bumper wheat crops and poor agricultural practices, the land was in trouble. Strong winds known as "black dusters" denuded the prairies from 1934 to 1937. The worst storm came in April 1935, causing a total blackout in Dalhart that lasted for more than four hours. Rains removed the rest of the topsoil, gouging gorges 40 feet deep.
Wealthy local businessman R.S. Coon became legendary for his generous treatment of suffering farmers and cowboys, but the situation still worsened. Part of the population stiffened and formed "The Last Man Club," vowing to remain under any circumstances, but many farmers abandoned their property. The federal government stepped in to rehabilitate the land, which later became part of the National Grasslands. Dalhart was chosen as the first site for an erosion control demonstration project sponsored by the Federal Land Bank to address wind erosion problems.
Dalhart Army Air Field was located on land that is now the Dalhart Municipal Airport. The air base began as a glider school at the Dalhart Aviation Field in 1942. The field came under the control of the Second Air Force and became the Dalhart Army Air Field, training B-17 crews for heavy bombardment group missions. The federal government turned the facilities over to the city in 1945, along with the land that now contains the XIT Rodeo Arena and Lake Rita Blanca.
Dalhart's strong economy is constantly in need of labor. The best source for job listings is the classified section of the Dalhart Daily Texan. To order a copy call 806-244-4511.
Dalhart has a strong economy based on production agriculture, health care, tourism, and state corrections. Capital investments planned for the next two years total $200 million.
denotes a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
COUNTY INFORMATION
Dalhart is fortunate to have first-class infrastructure for most communications needs.
Let the Dalhart Chamber of Commerce book your hotel stay with one of our member properties. Our city has a good selection of motels, a campground, and even horse boarding for equine travelers.