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History
in a Pecan Shell
Originally called Rivers, after a railroad paymaster, the name was first
rejected by postal authorities. The change (to George Channing Rivers middle name)
was made in 1888. Channing developed directly from it's association with the XIT
Ranch, the legendary property that once included most of ten Panhandle counties.
The business district was platted in 1891, and Channing was general
headquarters of the ranch. When the wild and wooley town of Tascosa
was abandoned, several businesses moved to Channing. By 1900 Channing had two
general stores, one grocery and a school. Channing's fight with Hartley
for county seat status was bitter and it took two separate elections to decide
the matter. Finally in 1903 the frame courthouse was pulled to Channing on wheels
by mounted XIT
cowboys. The courthouse was later turned into a hotel when the brick courthouse
was built in 1906. Two years later a woman's club established a public library.
When the XIT
was dissolved in 1911, it devastated the local economy and in 1931, a fire destroyed
much of downtown. By 1940 Channing's population was 475 with a high school and
five businesses. Postwar mobility and the improved highways have drained Channings
population down to the current 277.
Hartley
County Courthouse - next page |
Channing Texas
ForumSubject:
Another note on Channing
It's worth noting that Channing might be the least populated city in Texas to
maintain an independent K-12 school. Channing fields a basketball and track team
that always fares well, it is the highlight of their town! As of 2001 Channing
had at least 4-5 businesses. There are at least 3 streets in Channing that Boys
Ranch own, and settle their employees there. - James Feagin, September 15,
2005
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