The Roscoe, Snyder & Pacific Railway

The RS&P on a run from Roscoe to Snyder in the 1970s.

The Roscoe, Snyder & Pacific Railway, once one of the most successful short lines in the country, operated regularly from its inaugural run in May 1908 to its last trip to Snyder in June 1984.  Through the decades, it survived and thrived by adapting to ever changing conditions. For many years, it served as an important link connecting the Santa Fe and Texas & Pacific lines and was central to the economy and growth of both Roscoe and Snyder. It ran 50 miles from Roscoe to Fluvanna, a cattle shipping point, until 1942, when it shortened its run to the 30 miles to Snyder. Its passenger service was discontinued in 1952, but it continued to thrive with its freight shipments, railcars, and a railcar repair service begun in 1959.

Its old wood-burning steam engines gave way to oil burners, which in turn were replaced with modern diesel engines in the late 1940s. The main office, roundhouse and the later repair and cleaning services were all located in Roscoe. It made important national contributions in both World Wars as well as to the area oil booms.

Finally, though, the passage of the Staggers Act in 1980 and the resulting deregulation of railroads made it unable to compete with the larger lines and ultimately brought about its demise.   

A 1916 Interstate Commerce Commission map of the RS&P line from Roscoe to Fluvanna.