Channing, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Channing, Texas
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XIT Ranch General Office in Channing
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Location of Channing, Texas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Hartley |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.99 sq mi (2.57 km2) |
| • Land | 0.99 sq mi (2.57 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 3,803 ft (1,159 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 281 |
| • Density | 283.8/sq mi (109.3/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
79018
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| Area code(s) | 806 |
| FIPS code | 48-14260 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2409436 |
Channing is a town in Hartley County, Texas, in the United States. It is the county seat of Hartley County. As of the 2020 United States census, the town's population was 281.
History
Channing was founded in 1888 by George Channing Rivers, a paymaster for the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway. The settlement was originally called Rivers. Since the name Rivers duplicated another community in Texas, the name was changed to Channing later that year. Channing developed directly from its association with the XIT Ranch, a property that once included land in as many as 10 counties in the Texas Panhandle.
In 1891, Willis D. Twitchell platted Channing's business district. At that time, Channing was the headquarters of the XIT. Albert Boyce, the ranch's general manager and one of the most prominent early citizens, built the first house in the community. By 1900, Channing had two stores, a post office, lumber yard, and school.
Two elections, one in November 1896 and the other in 1903, were required for Channing to replace Hartley as county seat. The frame courthouse was pulled to Channing on wheels by mounted XIT cowboys in 1903. A brick courthouse was completed in 1906 and the original courthouse was converted into the once-famous Hotel Rivers. One of the first public libraries in the Panhandle was established in 1908 by a local women's club. The estimated population at this time was about 600.
The XIT, which conducted most of its business from Channing, was the town's chief customer until liquidation of the ranch in 1911. The local economy was severely impacted, although the real-estate market temporarily thrived from the sale of XIT lands. A fire swept through the business district on September 6, 1931, destroying seven buildings, including Hotel Rivers. By 1940, Channing had an estimated population of 475 with several businesses, a high school, and three churches. A restored XIT office building is located in Channing as a museum.
Channing was incorporated in 1960. At the time of incorporation, the population was 390. The number of inhabitants declined to 336 in 1970, 304 in 1980, and 277 in 1990, mainly because of its accessibility to the larger communities of Dalhart and Amarillo. By 2000, the population rose to 356, a 28.5% increase over the 1990 figure.
Geography
Channing is situated at the junction of U.S. Highway 385, State Highway 354, and FM 767 in southeastern Hartley County, approximately 30 miles south of Dalhart. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.3 sq mi (2.6 km2), all land.
Climate
According to the Köppen climate classification, Channing has a semiarid climate, BSk on climate maps.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1960 | 351 | — | |
| 1970 | 336 | −4.3% | |
| 1980 | 304 | −9.5% | |
| 1990 | 277 | −8.9% | |
| 2000 | 356 | 28.5% | |
| 2010 | 363 | 2.0% | |
| 2020 | 281 | −22.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2020 census
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 224 | 79.72% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 2 | 0.71% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 4 | 1.42% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 10 | 3.56% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 41 | 14.59% |
| Total | 281 |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 281 people, 124 households, and 91 families residing in the city.
Education
The City of Channing is served by the Channing Independent School District. One building, Channing School, houses all grades and is located in the western part of the city.
Notable person
- Walt Schlinkman, American football player, coach and scout
See also
In Spanish: Channing (Texas) para niños
