Page 19 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2023 - Online Magazine

HISTORY OF SLATON

denominations following close behind. fond memories attached to it. It is an night. The Mercy Hospital, though
The town incorporated on October 26, important reminder of the history of no longer a hospital, is now called
1923, 100 years ago. Slaton and how the town came to be. the Mercy Retreat Center and is used
by many denominations of faith for
In 1929, the Sisters of Mercy were So much has changed in this little retreats and conferences.
invited to erect a hospital in the West Texas town over the years since
town. Slaton donated two blocks it was founded in 1911, yet there are There were many setbacks from
to them, plus $20,000 in cash. The still many things that remain the same. the dreamers who had the vision
Mercy Hospital was completed in The town is now 112 years old, and and tenacity to persevere as they
November of 1929. It had four stories the railroad still operates today as established a town, when they were
and cost $125,000 to build. It could Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. laughed at and called crazy. However,
accommodate 44 beds and 34 patient You can hear the sound of the train through sheer determination and the
rooms. whistle at any given time of the day Santa Fe Railway, a boomtown was
or night, transporting goods all over born, and Slaton, Texas is still alive and
The Santa Fe Railway Engine 1809 the world. There is still a depot in well today.
was very important to the agricultural Slaton where many railroad
community in Slaton as it made employees work. Many of
deliveries of bales of cotton from Slaton the founding families still
to ports on the Gulf. It was officially live here today—farming,
retired on September 17, 1955, and running a business, or just
dedicated to the City of Slaton. The enjoying life in this friendly,
State of Texas Historical Society has West Texas town. The Harvey
offered to purchase it, but Slaton House has been given grants
does not plan to part with it. This over the years and is still in
engine is displayed on the square in operation. It is a great place
downtown Slaton, and there are many to host an event or stay the

Lubbock Senior Link 19