Cities and Towns in Hartley County, Texas
Founded in 1876, Hartley County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Hartley County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Channing is the county seat. With FIPS code of 205, Hartley County has a population of 5,397 and area of 1,462 square miles (3,787 km²).
List of all cities in Hartley County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Channing, TX | 79018 | 806 |
| Hartley, TX | 79044 | 806 |
| Masterson, TX | 79018 | 806 |
Major Cities and Towns in Hartley County, Texas
1. Channing, Texas
Location and History
Channing is the county seat of Hartley County, located in the northern part of Texas, near the New Mexico border. The town was founded in the early 20th century, around the time the railroad expanded into the region. Named after an early settler, the town’s economy initially revolved around agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and farming. In the 1920s, Channing became an important stop on the railroad, which helped it develop as a commercial and trade hub for the surrounding area. Over the years, the town’s population remained small, but it retained its role as a central location for residents of Hartley County. While Channing’s growth has been relatively slow, it is known for its strong community ties and its location within the scenic and wide-open plains of the Texas Panhandle. The town’s economy continues to be influenced by agriculture, including cattle, crops, and oil production in the surrounding area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Channing is served by the Channing Independent School District (ISD), which operates a small school offering education from kindergarten through high school. The town is also home to a local library, providing resources to students and residents alike. In terms of landmarks, Channing features several historical buildings, including the old Hartley County Courthouse, which is a notable example of early 20th-century architecture. The nearby Lignite Park offers a spot for recreation, and the wide-open fields and plains surrounding the town are a natural attraction for visitors who enjoy the tranquility of rural Texas. One of Channing’s most significant events is the annual Channing Rodeo, which celebrates the town’s rich ranching and agricultural history.
City Details:
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 500+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79018
- Latitude and Longitude: 35.6246° N, 102.0667° W
2. Dumas, Texas
Location and History
Dumas is the largest city and the economic center of Hartley County, located in the Texas Panhandle, approximately 40 miles north of Amarillo. Founded in 1902 as a railroad town, Dumas quickly grew as the main commercial hub of the region, largely due to its position along the Santa Fe Railway. The city’s economy has historically been tied to agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and farming. In the mid-20th century, the discovery of oil in the area led to a boom in the local economy, further bolstering Dumas’ growth. The city serves as a key service center for surrounding rural communities, offering businesses, healthcare, and educational opportunities. Dumas has a reputation for its friendly atmosphere and strong community involvement, while the city itself has modern amenities and services.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dumas is served by the Dumas Independent School District (ISD), which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools, such as Dumas High School, known for its academic programs and sports teams. The city also has a strong local presence in higher education, with community resources available through various local institutions. Notable landmarks in Dumas include the Moore County Courthouse, which is a key historical building in the downtown area. The Pioneer Museum showcases the area’s history, with exhibits on early pioneers, agriculture, and the railroad. Additionally, the nearby Lake Meredith National Recreation Area provides outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Dumas is also known for its annual events, including the Old West Days Festival, which celebrates its frontier history.
City Details:
- Area: 5.4 square miles
- Population: 15,000+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79029
- Latitude and Longitude: 35.8717° N, 101.9750° W
3. Hartley, Texas
Location and History
Hartley, a small town located in the southeastern corner of Hartley County, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Founded as a rail stop on the Santa Fe Railway, Hartley was named after the county itself. The town grew slowly as a small farming and ranching community, serving local settlers in the surrounding plains. The presence of the railroad was critical to Hartley’s development, as it helped ship agricultural products like cattle and cotton to other parts of Texas and beyond. Over the years, the town has remained small, with most of its residents working in agriculture, ranching, and local businesses. Hartley’s charm lies in its rural character and close-knit community, providing a peaceful lifestyle for those who prefer life away from the larger cities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hartley is served by the Hartley Independent School District (ISD), which operates a small school that serves the local population from elementary through high school. Hartley is also home to a few local parks and recreational facilities, which provide the community with spaces for outdoor events, gatherings, and sports. The Hartley County Courthouse, located in the center of town, serves as a historical landmark, reminding residents and visitors of the town’s past. Hartley is a quiet, rural community, and there are few formal tourist attractions, but the surrounding landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities, particularly ranching and hunting, which remain central to the local way of life.
City Details:
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: 100+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79044
- Latitude and Longitude: 35.7864° N, 102.1292° W
4. Sunray, Texas
Location and History
Sunray is a small town located in the northeastern part of Hartley County, about 14 miles south of Dumas. Sunray was established in the early 20th century as a farm town, primarily focused on agriculture and ranching. It was named after the Sunray Oil Field, which was discovered nearby in the 1920s. The town grew rapidly during the oil boom, attracting workers and businesses related to the oil industry. Despite the boom-and-bust cycles associated with the oil industry, Sunray has remained a small, stable community, with its economy still rooted in agriculture and oil. The town is known for its friendly, rural atmosphere and for being a quiet place to live with easy access to larger cities like Dumas and Amarillo.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sunray is served by the Sunray Independent School District (ISD), which includes a local elementary school and Sunray High School. The high school is known for its academic excellence and sports programs, particularly its football team. Sunray is also home to several parks, including the Sunray City Park, which offers recreational facilities such as playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. The town’s main landmark is the old Sunray Oil Field, a reminder of the area’s historical connection to the oil industry. The town celebrates its agricultural and oil history through various community events and local festivals.
City Details:
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: 1,000+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 79086
- Latitude and Longitude: 35.6390° N, 102.0985° W
