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Historical
Marker TextRoscoe,
Snyder & Pacific Railroad CompanyEstablished
through efforts of Gen. F. W. James, Abilene banker and developer. Winfield S.
James, a son, directed construction. While the James' were founders, H.O. Wooten,
originally a Vice President and for decades owner of controlling interest, is
credited with making the road a success. Daily services started in 1908 from Roscoe
to Snyder and to
Fluvanna
in 1909.
This 50-mile railroad contributed much to the economy and settling
of area; later was a connecting link with the Santa Fe and Texas & Pacific Railroads.
For several decades it had a flourishing passenger, mail, express and freight
business. It played major role in the Scurry County oil boom of 1920's and 1940's,
transporting much essential oil field equipment.
Its steam locomotives
required from 10 to 12 tons of coal daily for the round trip, with water stops
at Roscoe, Snyder
and Fluvanna.
Oil replaced coal by 1929, and all engines converted to diesel power by 1956.
Service to Fluvanna
was discontinued in 1941, and passenger service to Snyder
in 1953.
Today this short-line railroad (31 miles) has a remarkable growth
story as a connection and gateway for transcontinental traffic. It moves more
than 20,000 cars yearly.
(1967) |
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Engine
No. 5 - Towle Park, 1600 25th St.
Photos courtesy Barclay
Gibson, April 2009 |
Historical
Marker TextOld Roscoe,
Snyder & Pacific Railroad
Engine No. 5 A
Baldwin locomotive of the Roscoe, Snyder & Pacific — the railroad that reached
here in 1908 with passenger and freight service, and contributed greatly to growth
of city and area. This engine (a coal burner converted later to fuel oil) was
built in 1920 in Philadelphia; placed in park in 1956.
(1967) |
Roscoe,
Snyder & Pacific Railroad Engine No5 Historical Marker
Photos courtesy Barclay
Gibson, April 2009 | | |
