Introduction

If you’ve ever asked “what is the XIT Ranch now”, you’re tapping into a rich story of Texas history, land use, heritage and adaptation. Once the largest fenced cattle ranch in the world, the XIT Ranch has evolved from its late-19th-century cattle empire roots into a modern ranching and heritage enterprise. So how exactly did this massive legacy site begin and what does it look like today? Let’s explore how the XIT Ranch’s land, operations and purpose have changed while honouring its past.

Historical Origins of the XIT Ranch

The XIT Ranch began with a bold land deal in the early 1880s. In exchange for building the Texas State Capitol in Austin, the state granted 3 million acres in the Panhandle to a syndicate of Chicago investors led by the Farwell brothers. From 1885 the ranch operated across ten counties, covering roughly 200 miles in length.

At its peak, the XIT ran around 150,000 head of cattle, over a million acres under fence and dozens of divisions. Life on the ranch involved cowboys, longhorn drives, fences, windmills and the vast openness of the Texas Panhandle. But by the early 1900s, economic pressures and land demand for farming caused the syndicate to begin selling off parcels.

Understanding this history is key when you ask “what is the XIT Ranch now” — because the legacy of that original land deal underpins everything that follows.

Decline, Land Sales and Legacy Preservation

While the XIT Ranch’s early years were expansive, by 1912 its cattle operations had ceased and the land began transitioning. The last of the XIT’s cattle were sold in 1912 and the land holdings were gradually divided and sold. By 1963, most of the original holdings were sold off.

Though the physical empire diminished, the heritage remained. Towns such as Dalhart celebrate their XIT legacy with museums, rodeos and historical markers.The question “what is the XIT Ranch now?” increasingly includes its role as a cultural and historical icon of the Texas Panhandle.

Preservation efforts have kept structures like the old headquarters building in Channing and the grass-range relics alive for visitors and Texas-history enthusiasts. In that sense, the XIT Ranch today is both land and memory — a living piece of Texas ranching lore.

The Modern XIT Ranch — Rebirth and Ranching Today

So what is the XIT Ranch now in practical terms? A modern revival is underway. The ranch is once again active — under new ownership and with a forward-looking approach. In recent years, descendant rancher Drew Knowles has repurposed parts of the historic XIT land for cattle, horses and ecological-focused ranching.

For example, in 2022 and onward, Knowles’ operation acquired the Burson Rita Blanca Creek Ranch in the Panhandle — part of the original XIT divisions — and is building a cow-calf program, performance horse program and sustainable land-management model. They are raising Black Angus, American Wagyu and horses across portions of the historic land while emphasising stewardship and heritag.

Thus, the modern XIT is not the enormous 3 million-acre ranch of 1885, but rather a measured, purposeful operation that honours the past while embracing sustainable ranching, horse programs and legacy branding.

Heritage, Tourism and Cultural Impact

Another dimension of what the XIT Ranch is now lies in heritage and tourism. The story of the XIT is woven into the identity of the Texas Panhandle. The XIT Museum in Dalhart, the annual XIT Rodeo & Reunion (a multi-day event of rodeo, barbecue and western culture) draw visitors from across the region.

Local businesses also use the XIT brand, apparel lines exist (e.g., XIT Mercantile) offering branded goods that play off the historic ranch identity.The question “what is the XIT Ranch now” then includes its role as a cultural brand — a way for ranching heritage to persist in today’s lifestyle economy.

This cultural presence helps keep the legacy alive. People visiting the ranch country, going to historical sites, participating in western events, or buying XIT-branded gear are engaging not just with land but memory and branding of the Old West.

Land Use, Conservation and Future Prospects

Looking ahead, “what is the XIT Ranch now” also touches on land use and conservation. Modern ranching demands far more than just cattle — ecological stewardship, diversified operations, and adaptability matter. For example, the Knowles operation emphasises low-stress cattle management, grass-fed programs, dual horse and cattle enterprises, and even exploring wildlife or range-diversification options.

Because parts of the original XIT lands face challenges typical of the High Plains (water availability, climate pressure, land fragmentation), the revival model focuses on sustainability, selective breeding, forage management and blending tradition with modern practices.

In this sense, the XIT of today is less about vast acres and more about smart management, heritage branding and long-term viability. The future might bring more partnerships, additional land acquisitions, or expanded consumer-facing programs (e.g., branded beef, ranch stays, horse events) tied to the XIT name.

Conclusion

When you ask “what is the XIT Ranch now”, the answer is multifaceted. It’s part-heritage icon, part-modern ranch enterprise, and part-cultural brand. Although it no longer sprawls over 3 million acres under a single fence, the spirit of the XIT lives on through renewed ranching operations, heritage tourism, sustainable land use and the persistent legacy of Texas ranching lore. For those of us fascinated by the Old West, the XIT Ranch remains a living bridge between past and future.

FAQs

What does the name XIT stand for?
There’s a myth it stands for “Ten In Texas” (referring to 10 counties), but in reality the brand was chosen because its marks were hard to alter and thus prevented rustling.

Is the XIT Ranch still operating as a single large ranch?
No. The original XIT Ranch ceased major operations by 1912 and sold off almost all its land. What exists today is a much smaller, revived operation built on historic land and branding.

Where is the XIT Ranch located now?
Modern operations tied to the XIT brand are based in the Texas Panhandle (on portions of the original land) and the headquarters for the revived ranching enterprise is now also linked to operations in Weatherford, Texas and even Colorado.

How can people visit or engage with the XIT Ranch legacy?
You can visit the XIT Museum in Dalhart, attend the annual XIT Rodeo & Reunion event, or purchase XIT-branded merchandise and ranch-tourism experiences.

Why is the XIT Ranch important in Texas history?
Because it was one of the largest fenced cattle ranches ever, formed through a major land-for-capitol deal, and emblematic of ranching, westward expansion and land development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.