Welcome to McBride Canyon House, a tangible link to the past in the vast expanse of the Texas Panhandle. Established in 1897 by David N. McBride and his family, this stone ranch house stands as the oldest surviving home in Potter County. Situated within what is now known as McBride Canyon, this house is more than just a building; it is a testament to the rugged determination and adaptability of early pioneers.
The McBride family settled in the heart of the LX Ranch, a significant cattle operation in the region. The ranch itself was established earlier by W.H. Bates and David T. Beals in 1877, and it played a crucial role in the cattle ranching boom that defined much of the Texas Panhandle’s history. The McBride Canyon House served as both a home and a center of operations for the family, who were part of the wave of settlers moving westward after the removal of the Comanche in the 1870s.
The house has witnessed the transformation of the region, from the days when bison roamed freely and the Comanche ruled the plains, to the arrival of the pioneers who established ranches and towns. It has stood through the changes brought by the introduction of the railroad and the subsequent economic developments that shaped the area.
Visitors to the McBride Canyon House can imagine the daily life of its inhabitants: the challenges of frontier living, the harsh yet beautiful landscape, and the vibrant history of a region that was once at the heart of the American Westward Expansion. The house is a silent witness to the sweeping changes that have occurred over more than a century, from the decline of the open range to the rise of modern agriculture and industry.
As you explore the area, consider the stories of the people who once lived here: the McBride family, who carved out a life in this remote part of Texas, and the indigenous peoples who preceded them. Each left their mark on the land, contributing to the rich tapestry of history that defines the Texas Panhandle today.
