[7] Channing developed directly from its association with the XIT Ranch, a property that once included land in as many as 10 counties in the Texas Panhandle.

[8] Albert Boyce, the ranch's general manager and one of the most prominent early citizens, built the first house in the community.

The XIT, which conducted most of its business from Channing, was the town's chief customer until liquidation of the ranch in 1911.

The local economy was severely impacted, although the real-estate market temporarily thrived from the sale of XIT lands.

[9] A fire swept through the business district on September 6, 1931, destroying seven buildings, including Hotel Rivers.

Law enforcement is provided by the Hartley County Sheriff's Office, as the city does not have a police force of its own.

As of October 2009, a limited number of businesses operated in the city: a cafe, a mercantile, and a rendering plant.

Most citizens were either involved in ranching, dairy, or other agricultural professions, or were employed in businesses in surrounding communities.

[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.3  sq mi (2.6 km2), all land.

One building, Channing School, houses all grades and is located in the western part of the city.