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 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-lived 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)

Roscoe, Snyder & Pacific Railroad Company is a historical marker in Snyder, Scurry County, dedicated in 1967. It is one of 60 historical markers documented in Scurry County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 63 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.7170, -100.9149 near Snyder. The nearest cataloged historic site is Snyder National Bank (historical marker), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Scurry County Courthouse Site and Building, First Baptist Church of Snyder, and Scurry County.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5415004346. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.