Quitaque Railway Tunnel
10 mi. SW of Quitaque, Quitaque, TXThe Fort Worth and Denver Railroad Tunnel, near Quitaque, is one of the few functioning railroad tunnels in Texas. In 1927 the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad decided to build a branch line from Estelline to Lubbock, Texas for the shipment of agricultural products. A year later a tunnel was blasted and bored through a rugged portion of the Caprock Escarpment to make way for the coming railroad.
In 1930 the railway line and the tunnel were completed and put into use. A second tunnel, located approximately one-half mile upstream and west of the original under-pass, collapsed in 1968 after a derailment occurred inside the structure.
Several years later the older tunnel was threatened with a similar fate. In 1973 a ninety-three-car freight train derailed inside the passageway creating a major collapse. Initially, engineers estimated that the entire tunnel would have to be "daylighted". Following a subsequent investigation, however, the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad determined that the underpass could be saved from destruction. A massive dirt-moving operation facilitated a total restoration of the site.
The Quitaque Railway Tunnel was returned to use early in 1975, after nearly seventeen months during which time the trains were rerouted from Quanah to Floydada.
Local significance of the structure:
In 1930 the railway line and the tunnel were completed and put into use. A second tunnel, located approximately one-half mile upstream and west of the original under-pass, collapsed in 1968 after a derailment occurred inside the structure.
Several years later the older tunnel was threatened with a similar fate. In 1973 a ninety-three-car freight train derailed inside the passageway creating a major collapse. Initially, engineers estimated that the entire tunnel would have to be "daylighted". Following a subsequent investigation, however, the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad determined that the underpass could be saved from destruction. A massive dirt-moving operation facilitated a total restoration of the site.
The Quitaque Railway Tunnel was returned to use early in 1975, after nearly seventeen months during which time the trains were rerouted from Quanah to Floydada.
Industry; Commerce; Transportation
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
About Floyd County
Floyd County Timeline
Floyd County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache. In the mid-19th century, settlers from the United States began to arrive and establish homesteads in the area.
The county itself was officially established in 1876 and named after Dolphin Ward Floyd, a pioneer settler in the region. The town of Floydada was designated as the county seat. Agriculture played a significant role in the early development of Floyd County, with settlers primarily engaged in livestock raising and crop farming.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Floyd County experienced a boom in population and economic growth. The construction of the Santa Fe Railroad in the area facilitated transportation and trade, leading to the establishment of new businesses and industries. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s further fueled the county's growth, attracting oil companies and boosting the local economy.
Over the years, Floyd County has faced various challenges, including devastating droughts and the Great Depression. However, the community has exhibited resilience and perseverance, bouncing back from these hardships. Today, the county continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture, oil production, and wind energy serving as significant economic contributors.
Overall, Floyd County's history is a testament to the spirit of its residents and the determination to overcome obstacles while maintaining a strong sense of community identity.
The county itself was officially established in 1876 and named after Dolphin Ward Floyd, a pioneer settler in the region. The town of Floydada was designated as the county seat. Agriculture played a significant role in the early development of Floyd County, with settlers primarily engaged in livestock raising and crop farming.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Floyd County experienced a boom in population and economic growth. The construction of the Santa Fe Railroad in the area facilitated transportation and trade, leading to the establishment of new businesses and industries. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s further fueled the county's growth, attracting oil companies and boosting the local economy.
Over the years, Floyd County has faced various challenges, including devastating droughts and the Great Depression. However, the community has exhibited resilience and perseverance, bouncing back from these hardships. Today, the county continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture, oil production, and wind energy serving as significant economic contributors.
Overall, Floyd County's history is a testament to the spirit of its residents and the determination to overcome obstacles while maintaining a strong sense of community identity.
Floyd County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Floyd County, Texas.
- 1876: Floyd County is established and named after Dolphin Ward Floyd, a pioneer and Texas Ranger.
- 1880: The first permanent settlement is established in Floyd County.
- 1890: The county's population reaches over 1,000 residents.
- 1890s: Ranching becomes the primary economic activity in the area.
- 1907: The county seat is moved from Kai to Floydada.
- 1929: The Great Depression hits Floyd County, leading to economic hardships for many residents.
- 1930s: The Civilian Conservation Corps completes several projects in the county, providing much-needed employment opportunities.
- 1940s: Floyd County experiences a population boom due to the discovery of oil and gas reserves.
- 1950s: The construction of U.S. Route 70 through Floyd County improves transportation and access to the region.
- 1980s: The agriculture industry in Floyd County begins to decline, leading to a shift towards other economic sectors.
- 1990s: Education becomes a major focus in Floyd County with the establishment of several school districts.
- 2000s: Wind energy development becomes a significant industry in the county.