Roscoe, Snyder & Pacific Railroad Depot and Engine Number 5, Snyder, Texas. (original) (raw)

Historical Marker Text

Roscoe, Snyder & Pacific Railroad Company

Established 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 Roscoeto Snyder and to Fluvannain 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, Snyderand Fluvanna. Oil replaced coal by 1929, and all engines converted to diesel power by 1956.

Service to Fluvannawas discontinued in 1941, and passenger service to Snyderin 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)

Engine No. 5 - Towle Park, 1600 25th St.
Photos courtesy Barclay Gibson, April 2009

Historical Marker Text

Old 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

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