The XIT Cattle Company was a large cattle ranch established in the late 19th century in the Texas Panhandle. Founded in 1885, it was created by investors from Chicago who sought to capitalize on the booming cattle industry. The ranch covered over three million acres, making it one of the largest in the United States at the time. The name "XIT" comes from the brand used on the cattle, which was derived from the phrase "Ten in Texas." The company played a significant role in the development of the region, contributing to the local economy and shaping the cattle ranching culture in Texas.