Santa Fe Railway in Scurry County
Historical marker location:In 1909, when rail service was vital to economic growth, Scurry County had one line (The Roscoe, Snyder & Pacific) but lacked connections to distant markets. Local residents backed C. W. Post of Garza County who gave $50,000 to attract the Santa Fe Railway, which was then planning a route between Lubbock and Coleman. By the end of 1911, the Santa Fe had completed its tracks across Scurry County and erected depots for passenger amd freight traffic in the towns of Dermott, Hermleigh, Pyron and Snyder. The Santa Fe contributed much to the commercial and agricultural development of the county in the early years, and hauled many tons of equipment for the oil industry in later years. (1976, 1999)
1859: The Atchison and Topeka Railroad Company is founded in Kansas, with the goal of connecting the towns of Atchison and Topeka.
1863: The Atchison and Topeka Railroad reaches Santa Fe, New Mexico, completing its initial transcontinental route.
1880: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company is formed through a merger with the Southern Kansas Railway Company.
1883: The Santa Fe Railway completes its second transcontinental line, reaching Los Angeles, California. This expansion enables the railway to connect the Midwest and Southwest to the Pacific Coast.
1893: The California Limited, a luxury passenger train, begins service on the Santa Fe Railway, offering a high standard of travel for affluent passengers.
1901: The Grand Canyon Railway, a subsidiary of the Santa Fe Railway, is established to provide transportation to the Grand Canyon National Park.
1926: The Santa Fe Railway introduces the Super Chief, a luxurious all-Pullman sleeping car train that becomes known as the "Train of the Stars" due to its popularity among Hollywood celebrities.
1934: The Santa Fe Railway launches the Chief, another premier passenger train, offering a more affordable option than the Super Chief but still maintaining a high level of service.
1948: The Santa Fe Railway introduces the El Capitan, a streamliner passenger train that becomes famous for its distinctive "Warbonnet" red and silver paint scheme.
1967: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway changes its official name to the Santa Fe Railway.
1995: The Santa Fe Railway merges with the Burlington Northern Railroad, forming the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNSF). This merger creates one of the largest railroad systems in the United States.
1996: The Santa Fe Railway is officially absorbed into the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF), marking the end of the Santa Fe Railway as an independent entity.
Today, the Santa Fe Railway's legacy lives on through the continued operation of many of its routes by BNSF, as well as its historical significance in the development of the American West and its iconic role in passenger train travel.
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.