St. Louis-San Francisco Railway
Location: Missouri, United States
Surnames/tags: united_states_railroad arkansas
The St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (SLSF), commonly known as the "Frisco," was an American railway company that operated in the Midwest and South Central United States from 1876 to 1980.
Contents |
History
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| Frisco Route Map (1918) |
Early Years
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| Frisco Train SLSF 19 (2-8-0) |
The Frisco Railway was incorporated in Missouri on September 7, 1876, and was formed from the Missouri Division and Central Division of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. It helped feed the population of a growing nation, spur the growth of factories, and move products across the nation that helped us win two World Wars. From its founding, it was known for its excellent service.
Initially led by A. B. Stahlman, who served as its first president. During his time as president of the SLSF, he was recognized for his business acumen and leadership skills. He was instrumental in the formation of the SLSF, and he played a key role in consolidating several smaller railway companies into the successful enterprise that the SLSF became. Under his leadership, the SLSF saw significant growth and expansion, and he was credited with helping establish the company's strong financial performance and efficient operations.
In the early years, the railroad focused on expanding its network of lines in the Midwest and South Central United States, connecting cities and fostering economic growth in the regions it served. The company acquired several smaller railways and built new lines to connect its existing network and reach new markets.
Expansion and Growth
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| Frisco Headquarters 1903-04 |
During the 1880s, SLSF established routes throughout the southern Midwest. Railroad routes include:
| Line | Completed |
|---|---|
| Pierce City, Missouri to Wichita, Kansas | 1880, expanded in 1888 to Ellsworth for connection with Union Pacific |
| Tulsa to Sapulpa | 1886 |
| Monett, Missouri to Paris, Texas | 1887, with interchange with Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe |
By 1890, it boasted a network of 1,800 miles with a connection at Wichita, Kansas to Albuquerque, New Mexico. If for a short time went into receivership, but reorganized to become an independent railroad and continue its expansion into the Midwestern network.
| Expansion | Date |
|---|---|
| Main line extended west of Sapulpa to Oklahoma City | 1898 |
| Main line extended to Altus, Oklahoma | 1903 |
| Control of Quanah, Acme & Pacific, extending western terminus to Floydada, Texas | 1909, with interchange with Santa Fe |
| Service opened to Denison, Texas | 1901 |
| Access to Carrolton by purchasing Red River, Texas & Southern Railway, with trackage rights over St. Louis Southwestern and Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific (Rock Island) providing access into Dallas/Fort Worth | - |
| Reached Kansas City via a new corridor built as the Kansas City, Osceola & Southern (later nicknamed the "High Line") from Springfield, Missouri via Clinton and Osceola | 1898 |
| Completed an east-west branch between Ardmore, Oklahoma and Hope, Arkansas | 1903, built as the St. Louis, San Francisco & New Orleans |
| Opened a new branch between Beaumont, Kansas and Vernon, Texas, linking Wichita with its Altus line | 1907 |
In 1901, SLSF made its single largest acquistion with the Kansas City, Fort Scott, and Memphis Railway (KCFtS&M), which joined Kansas City and Baxter Springs, Kansas. Later the company opened Frisco's main line connecting Baxter Springs and Afton, Oklahoma.
KCFtS&M controlled the Kansas City, Springfield and Memphis (Springfield-Memphis, Tennessee) and Kansas City, Memphis & Birmingham (Memphis-Birmingham, Alabama). Added to their route was a less noteworhty subsidiary that ran from Kansas City, Clinton and Springfield.
Expansion also continued in the east where a bridge line opened between St. Louis-Memphis and purchase of the Gulf Coast Lines (GSL) provided access into the region. GSL, formly the St. Louis, Memphis and Southeastern, opened in 1904 with routes as far as Marion, Arkansas. This acqusition gave SLSF new routes to New Orleans and Brownsville, Texas.
Around this time in 1903, the Reid-Moore Syndicate took control of the Frisco. They also acquired the Rock Island, Chicago & Eastern Illinois (C&EL), and the Fort Worth & Rio Grande in an attempt to establish a transcontinental railroad.
Frisco's network expansions now gave them 5,260 miles, but the expansion came at a cost. In 1913, Frisco was again in receivership. It emerged on June 19, 1916 as the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway, but it was separated from both the C&EL and the GSL.
| Train Name | Route |
|---|---|
| Black Gold | Tulsa - Fort Worth |
| Firefly | Tulsa - Oklahoma City |
| Kansas City-Florida Special | Kansas City - Jacksonville |
| Memphian | St. Louis - Memphis |
| Meteor | St. Louis - Oklahoma City/Fort Smith |
| Oklahoman | Kansas City and Tulsa and later served St. Louis and Oklahoma City. |
| Southland | Kansas City - Birmingham |
| Sunnyland | Kansas City/St. Louis - Atlanta/Pensacola |
| Texas Special | St. Louis - Dallas/Fort Worth - San Antonio |
| Will Rogers | St. Louis - Oklahoma City/Wichita |
Its final noteworty expansion took place in July of 1925 when the company acquired a 142-mile Muscle Shoals. Operating between Birmingham and Pensacola and between Kimborough, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.
| Headquaters | St. Louis, Missouri (Frisco Building) |
| States Served | Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida |
| Slogan | Ship it on the "Frisco"! |
| Diesel Locomotive Fleet (1963) | Freight: 286; Passenger: 23; Switchers: 102 |
| Rolling Stock (1963) | Freight Cars: 17,889; Passenger Cars: 230 |
| Succesor | Burlington Northern Railway |
Economic Impact
The Saint Louis-San Francisco Railway (SLSF) played a significant role in the economic growth of several states through its expansion into different regions. Below is an overview of the SLSF's expansion into some states it served, and its effect on the cities and economic growth in those states:
- Missouri: The SLSF had its roots in Missouri, and its main line connected cities such as Saint Louis, Springfield, and Monett. The expansion of the SLSF in Missouri helped connect these cities, enabling efficient transportation of goods and people, leading to the growth of commerce and industry in the state.
- Oklahoma: The SLSF extended its main line to Oklahoma City in 1898 and to Altus in 1903. This expansion allowed the SLSF to tap into the state's rich natural resources, such as oil and agriculture, and transport these goods to markets across the country. The expansion also facilitated the growth of cities such as Oklahoma City and Ardmore.
- Kansas: The SLSF first reached Kansas City in 1898, on a new corridor built as the Kansas City, Osceola & Southern. This provided an important connection between Kansas City and other cities in the state, enabling efficient transportation of goods and people. The SLSF's connection with Union Pacific in Ellsworth facilitated the transport of wheat and other grains, fueling the growth of Kansas' agricultural industry.
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| Frisco Bridge, Memphis Bridge |
- Arkansas: The SLSF completed an east-west branch between Ardmore, Oklahoma and Hope, Arkansas in 1903. This branch connected major cities in Arkansas and Oklahoma, and provided important transportation services for both passengers and freight. The expansion of the SLSF into Arkansas helped spur economic growth by facilitating the transport of agricultural goods and attracting businesses and industries that required efficient transportation services.
- Texas: The SLSF completed its main line from Monett, Missouri to Paris, Texas in 1887, and gained access to Carrolton by purchasing the small Red River, Texas & Southern Railway. In addition, the SLSF gained access to Dallas/Fort Worth through trackage rights over the St. Louis Southwestern and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific (Rock Island). These expansions helped connect cities in Texas and facilitated the transport of goods and people, leading to the growth of commerce and industry in the state.
Saint Louis-San Francisco Railway's expansion into different states had a significant impact on the economic growth of those states. By connecting cities and facilitating the transportation of goods and people, the SLSF played a crucial role in shaping the development of the Midwest and South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
CoonSkin Logo
The Saint Louis-San Francisco Railway, also known as the Frisco, is known for its iconic coonskin logo. The coonskin logo was created in the early 1900s and was meant to symbolize the Frisco's speed, agility, and resourcefulness.
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| Original cook skin used to sketch logo |
According to legend, the Frisco was known for its fast and efficient service, and the coonskin was chosen as the company's symbol to represent this reputation. Arguably the Frisco's most identifiable feature was its unique logo and its origins in company folklore, which is a story that could only be told in rural America. A station agent in Neosho, Missouri augmented his income by trapping and skinning raccoons and selling the hides. He would tack the hides up to dry on the west end of the depot. One day, the Vice-President of the line, George Henry Nettleton, rolled up to the station to see in full view the coonskins tacked up to dry. When he confronted the station agent about the use of company property for hide tanning. To which the station agent told him it was hard to support a family on his salary of $1.25 on a ten hour work day. Nettleton on hearing this said, "Don't you know railroading comes first?", and then with a grinned said, "Well, a hobby is different, how much for one of those coonskins?". Following the exchange, when he got back on the train, in his private car with the coonskin in tow, he sketched out the stretched coonskin on paper and wrote the words "FRISCO". It soon thereafter appeared in the corporate office, and the Frisco trademark was born.
The Coonskin logo was prominently featured on the Frisco's locomotives, rolling stock, and advertising materials, and became synonymous with the company. The logo was also adopted by the Frisco employees, who wore it on their uniforms and were proud to be associated with the company.
It was so popular that it even inspired a series of coonskin-themed merchandise, including coonskin caps, coonskin key chains, and coonskin license plate frames. This merchandise was popular among Frisco employees, rail fans, and other fans of the company.
Frisco's Coonskin logo was an iconic symbol of the Saint Louis-San Francisco Railway and represented the company's speed, agility, and resourcefulness. The logo was widely recognized and beloved by the Frisco's employees, customers, and fans, and remains a symbol of the company's legacy to this day.
Challenges and Changes
Competition and Decline in Revenue
The Saint Louis-San Francisco Railway (SLSF) experienced a decline in the 20th century due to several factors, including increased competition from other forms of transportation and declining passenger and freight revenues.
Competition from Automobiles and Airlines: With the advent of automobiles and the growth of personal transportation, the demand for passenger rail service declined. People found it more convenient and faster to travel by car, and air travel became more accessible to the public, further reducing the demand for passenger rail service. This decline in passenger rail service had a significant impact on the SLSF's revenues.
Competition from Trucks: The growth of trucking companies and the popularity of trucking as a means of transporting goods also played a role in the decline of the SLSF. Trucks were able to transport goods faster and more directly than trains, making them a more attractive option for shippers. This led to a decline in the SLSF's freight revenues and ultimately its profitability.Declining Revenues: The SLSF's declining passenger and freight revenues, combined with increased competition from other forms of transportation, had a significant impact on its financial performance. The company was unable to keep pace with the changing times and struggled to maintain its position as a major player in the transportation industry.
Mergers and Consolidation: The decline of the SLSF was also due, in part, to the trend of mergers and consolidation in the railroad industry. In the early 20th century, larger ones absorbed many smaller railroads, and the SLSF was eventually merged into the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1980.
The decline of the Saint Louis-San Francisco Railway was due to factors, including increased competition from other forms of transportation, declining passenger and freight revenues, and industry consolidation. The company was unable to adapt to these changes, and its significance as a major player in the transportation industry declined over time.
Dissolution and Sale
The Saint Louis-San Francisco Railway (SLSF) was eventually dissolved, and its assets were sold or transferred as part of the trend of consolidation in the railroad industry. In 1980, the SLSF was merged into the Burlington Northern Railroad, which was formed through the merger of four major railroads, including the SLSF.
The Burlington Northern Railroad was one of the largest railroads in the United States, and its creation was part of a broader trend of consolidation in the railroad industry in the 20th century. The merger allowed the SLSF's assets to be combined with the other railroads, creating a larger and more efficient transportation network.
After the merger, the SLSF's brand and logos were retired, and its lines and assets were integrated into the Burlington Northern system. The company continued to operate as a subsidiary of the Burlington Northern Railroad until its eventual dissolution.
Dissolution of the Saint Louis-San Francisco Railway and the sale or transfer of its assets were part of a broader trend of consolidation in the railroad industry. The merger with the Burlington Northern Railroad allowed the SLSF's assets to be combined with other railroads, creating a larger and more efficient transportation network.
Legacy
Railway Industry
St. Louis–San Francisco Railway, commonly known as the Frisco, had a significant impact on the regions it served and on the railway industry as a whole. The regions it served, the Frisco connected cities and towns, facilitating transportation of people and goods, and contributing to the economic development of the area. The Frisco was a major employer in the region, providing jobs for thousands of people.
In the railway industry, the Frisco was known for its innovation and modernization, including the adoption of diesel-electric locomotives and the development of new technologies and business practices. The Frisco was a leader in the use of refrigerated railcars for food transportation, and was one of the first railroads to adopt air conditioning on passenger trains.
Frisco also played a role in the consolidation of the railway industry, as the Burlington Northern Railroad acquired it in 1980. The merger helped create one of the largest rail networks in the country, providing improved transportation services to customers and enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of the industry. It had a lasting impact on the regions it served and the railway industry as a whole, through its contributions to economic development, technological innovation, and industry consolidation.
Lasting Effects
The St. Louis-San Francisco Railway Company, also known as the Frisco, left several lasting effects in preserved locomotives, artifacts, and historic sites. One notable example is the Frisco Train Engine No. 1522, which is on display at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of railroading in Oklahoma and the surrounding region, and the Frisco Train Engine No. 1522 is one of its centerpiece exhibits.
Another example is the Frisco Depot Museum in Plano, Texas, dedicated to preserving the history of the Frisco Railway and its impact on the city of Plano. The museum features exhibits on the history of rail transportation, the Frisco Railway, and the local area, as well as artifacts and memorabilia from the Frisco era.
Additionally, there are several historic Frisco Railway sites and landmarks across the United States that have been preserved and open to the public. These sites provide a glimpse into the history of the Frisco Railway and its role in the development of the American West.
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