The J. W. Carter Family and the 7-Up Ranch
Dimmitt, Castro County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The first permanent settlers in Castro County, the James W. Carter family moved to this area in 1884. A tent and dugout served as home until a house was constructed (100 yards W.). Their cattle, which they brought with them, were marked with the 7-Up brand. Their daughter Lizzie (b. 1886) was the first white child born to a permanent settler in the area. James Carter (1845-1916) was instrumental in the organization of the Castro County government in 1891 and served on the first commissioners court. Carter and his wife Ellen (1855-1942) later opened a hotel in Dimmitt. (1981) SUPPLEMENTAL PLAQUE: J. W. Carter owned land at this site. His home was located 1/2 mile southwest of here.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1884 the James W. Carter family became the first permanent settlers in Castro County, living first in a tent and dugout on the high plains before raising a house nearby. They ran cattle under the 7-Up brand, and their daughter Lizzie, born in 1886, is remembered as the first white child born to a permanent settler here. James Carter helped organize the county government in 1891 and sat on its first commissioners court before he and his wife Ellen later opened a hotel in Dimmitt.
Why it matters
The Carters embody the settlement of the Texas Panhandle, where a single ranching family could put down the first roots and then help build the county institutions that followed.
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Related people
- · James W. Carter
- · Ellen Carter
- · Lizzie Carter
Related events
- · Organization of Castro County (1891)
Themes & tags
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