In the Rearview Mirror, pulled from the archives of The Dalhart Texan, brought to you by Furniture Fashions.
August 15, 1924 - 100 years ago
SANTA FE WON’T COME THIS WAY
In answer to a letter from the Dalhart chamber of commerce, President Storey of the Santa Fe says there are no plans at present for an extension of their line from Elkhart into Texas or New Mexico, but are merely making a preliminary survey for the purpose of obtaining additional date in regard to the character of the country, grades, etc. so as to be fully informed when conditions become favorable for an extension.
He gives no encouragement in reference to a line into Dalhart saying that the city is well supplied with railroads at present. The letter in part follows:
“This will acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo, in regard to our survey southwest of Elkhart.
We have no present plans for an extension into this territory and our survey is being conducted simply for the purpose of obtaining additional data in regard to the character of the country, grades, et.c., so that we may be fully informed if and when conditions become favorable for an extension.
So far as building the line to Dalhart is concerned, i regret that i can give you no encouragement. Your city is, however, already well supplied with railroad facilities and our building there would only serve to divide between three railroads the business which is now handled by two. There is another element in the situation, too, which is controlling – namely that any extension of the Elkhart branch should be made with the idea of ultimately carrying out our plans for a connection with our main line in the vicinity of Colmor, New Mexico, thus giving us a much shorter line than we now have via La Junta. With this in view, you will readily see how impossible it would be for us to build via Dalhart although we appreciate the importance of your city and your desire to have the Santa Fe serve it.”
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