Historical Marker

Slaton Harvey House

Historical marker location:
400 Railroad Ave, Slaton, Texas
( 400 Railroad Ave.)
Marker installed: 2007
Marker size: 27" x 42"

The city of Slaton has historic ties to the railroad. For decades the site was ranchland until the Santa Fe Railway sought a location for a division point to service trains. The Santa Fe bought the land in April 1911, naming the townsite for rancher and banker O.L. Slaton. Passenger and freight service became central to the economy, and the company built a passenger depot and Harvey House the following year. Scottish immigrant Fred Harvey created the Harvey House chain in 1876, partnering with the Santa Fe Railway, which built the restaurants and provided space on their trains for food and supplies. Harvey provided the equipment, management and hospitality staff, including hostesses known as Harvey Girls. The Slaton Harvey House served efficient but elegant meals to 42 passengers at a time around a horseshoe-shaped counter on the first floor, which also house the kitchen, bakery, gift shop and manager's office. The manager and his family and the Harvey Girls roomed on the second floor. The Slaton Harvey House, a commercial and social center, operated for thirty years, briefly reopening to serve troops during World War II. The building remained a passenger depot until 1969; the railroad later converted it to a freight depot and operations center before vacating the property in the 1980s. Slaton citizens coordinated the preservation and restoration of their landmark building. The two-story Mission Revival Slaton Harvey House features one-foot thick concrete walls, an arcaded trackside pavilion with stepped parapet, overhanging eaves with brackets, divided light windows and a flat upper story parapet decorated with the Santa Fe Railway company symbol. Record Texas Historic Landmark – 2007 Marker is property of the state of Texas

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.

railroad depots railroads Spanish Renaissance Revival (architectural style)
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Lubbock County, Texas has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa. In the 19th century, exploration and settlement by Europeans began in the region. In 1876, Col. T.S. Lubbock, a former Confederate officer, established a town named Lubbock, which would later become the county seat.

During its early years, Lubbock County primarily relied on farming and ranching for economic development. The arrival of the railroad in 1909 brought significant growth and opportunities for trade and transportation. The agricultural industry thrived, with cotton becoming a dominant crop, leading the area to be known as the "Hub of the Plains."

In the 20th century, Lubbock County experienced periods of economic booms and busts. The Great Depression hit the county hard, but it rebounded during World War II due to the establishment of Reese Air Force Base, which brought an economic boost and increased population. The post-war era saw the growth of education and the establishment of Texas Tech University in 1923, further contributing to the county's economy and cultural development.

In recent decades, Lubbock County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The oil industry plays a significant role, with the discovery of the Permian Basin and advancements in drilling techniques leading to increased oil production. The county has also seen growth in healthcare, education, and technology sectors. Today, Lubbock County remains a vibrant and dynamic community, with a rich history that has shaped its identity.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lubbock County, Texas.

  • 1876 - Lubbock County is officially formed on August 21.
  • 1890 - The first permanent settlement is established in Lubbock County.
  • 1901 - The first railroad is built in the county.
  • 1904 - Lubbock becomes the county seat.
  • 1909 - Texas Tech University is established in Lubbock.
  • 1923 - The West Texas Fair is first held in Lubbock County.
  • 1930 - Lubbock County's population reaches 26,678.
  • 1942 - The United States Air Force establishes an airfield in the county, which later becomes Reese Air Force Base.
  • 1951 - The Lubbock tornado, one of the deadliest in U.S. history, strikes the county.
  • 1967 - Lubbock County's population surpasses 150,000.
  • 1989 - The Lubbock County Courthouse, which was destroyed in a fire, is reconstructed.
  • 1993 - The Lubbock Lake Landmark, an archaeological and natural history preserve, is designated a National Historic Landmark.