The _X (LX) First Ranch in Potter County

Established by W. H. Bates and D. T. Beals, Colorado merchants and ranchers on the Arkansas River since 1870. "Crowded conditions" there resulted in moving herd and brand to the Panhandle of Texas in 1877 -- three years after Indians were expelled from this region. LX cattle were being driven to Dodge City for shipment to market or to ranges in Montana and Wyoming as the buffalo were being exterminated in the area. The ranch extended from present cities of Dumas (30 mi. N) to Amarillo (20 mi. S), and was 20 miles wide--1,000 square miles of open range. The ranch was sold in 1884 to the American Pastoral Company, Ltd., London. Ownership included 210,597 acres of land, 45,000 cattle and 1,000 horses. Famous LX cowboys included Allie Bates and John Ray, whose names are on geological maps, and Charles Siringo, author of Western Americana and cattle rustler detective. Potter County was organized on Aug. 30, 1887 by 53 qualified electors. By unanimous vote of the 38 LX cowboys, Amarillo was elected the county seat. In 1906 the Pastoral Company began liquidating. Heirs of large purchasers now own the properties. (1971)

The _X (LX) First Ranch in Potter County is a historical marker in Amarillo, Potter County, dedicated in 1971. It is one of 49 historical markers documented in Potter County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 73 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 35.5678, -101.8865 near Amarillo. The nearest cataloged historic site is The Canadian River (historical marker), about 6.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Great Spanish Road_First Ranch in Potter County_First Store in Potter County, The United States Topographical Engineers in the High Plains of Texas, and First Cemetery in Potter County.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5375005458. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.