INTERESTING FACTS

OLDHAM COUNTY is larger than the state of Rhode Island, measuring 50 by 30 miles.

OLDHAM COUNTY was once part of the famous XIT Ranch; the 3-million acre ranch granted in 1879 by the state of Texas to the Capital Land Syndicate in exchange for building the capitol in Austin.

OLDHAM COUNTY terrain is level prairie broken by the Canadian River and tributaries that form the “breaks” or “Caprock” with mainly ranch land to the north of I-40 and farm land to the south.  Its history is as vast and diverse as its land.

OLDHAM COUNTY’S population is 2,185 according to the 2000 Census — almost one square mile for every person and more cattle than people.

OLDHAM COUNTY is in the 7th sunniest areas of the United States.

OLDHAM COUNTY is on the cutting edge of renewable energy.  Oldham County is home to the WILDORADO WIND RANCH, which generates enough energy to serve 50,000 homes.  Vega has been dubbed the SOLAR CAPITAL of Texas, with more solar heating systems per capita than any other Texas town.  Learn how to build your own solar heating system at ROARK HARDWARE.

OLDHAM COUNTY is home to OLD TASCOSA and CAL FARLEY’S BOYS RANCH.  Boys & girls now live and are educated in a Christ-centered community where Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett, Colonel Charles Goodnight, and Temple Houston (Sam Houston’s son) once rode in a wild cow town.

OLDHAM COUNTY and its residents have starred in film and television including:  Country Music Television’s reality TV show “POPULARITY CONTEST”, Lifetime’s movie “WHAT MATTERS MOST”, a VINCE GILL music video filmed at the VEGA MOTEL, numerous documentaries about ROUTE 66 and some of the inspiration for the movie CARS.

OLDHAM COUNTY is home to ADRIAN, TEXAS, the “MIDPOINT OF ROUTE 66”. The town’s motto is, “When You’re Here, You’re Half-Way There!”

OLDHAM COUNTY resident RORY SCHEPISI, who originally came to Vega as a contestant on “Popularity Contest” and was a finalist on Food Network’s “The Next Food Network Star”, owns and operates BOOT HILL SALOON & GRILL in Vega.

OLDHAM COUNTY is home to Western novelist SAM BROWN, published photographer PAULA CHAMBLEE, and author SHELLEY ARMITAGE.

ANNUAL EVENTS

COMANCHEROS – 3rd Weekend in July
Community wide garages sales, consignment auction, DQ Kids Fest.

OLDHAM COUNTY ROUNDUP – 2ND Saturday in August
Founder’s Day Celebration on the Courthouse Square in Vega with free barbeque lunch, parade, entertainment, ranch rodeo and dance.

BOYS RANCH RODEO AND RENDEZVOUS – Labor Day Weekend at Boys Ranch
A fun adventure for people of all ages!

For more information contact the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce
904 N. Main, Vega, Texas  79092, 806-267-2828
E-mail:  oldhamco@arn.net