FORT SMITH & WESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY
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Historical Snapshot: Note: On January 25, 1899 The Fort Smith & Western Railroad was incorporated to construct and operate a 197-mile railroad from Gurthie to Coal Creek Oaklahoma, and to operate over 20 miles of trackage rights to its terminal and transfer point at Fort Smith, Arkansas. For about four years the F.S. & W. did a healthy busines both in freight and passenger service. It even had two sleepimg cars. It connected with, and controlled, the 42 mile St. Louis, El Reno & Western Railway from Gurthie to El Reno. Also, it interchanged with seven other major and minor railroads. Likewise, it had another 33 miles of operational trackage rights into various areas. Its primary business was hauling coal out of the Oklahoma region. Unfortunately, after the Financial Panic of 1907, the line stumbled through several lean years. On October 9, 1915, the line went into receivership. It is ironic that during the next eight years of receivership the road actually turned around and did quite well. On January 16, 1923, a new company, The Fort Smith & Western "Railway" Company bought the former F. S. & W., acquired its debts, and continued successful operations. In addition to the main line, branches and trackage rights acquired, there were also over 44 miles of yard tracks, spurs and sidings. Likewise, 25 locomotives, 1275 freight & service cars, and 25 passenger cars were part of the award. For the next five years the railway prospered. Gross profits of $1,500,000 a year were typical As a result of the economics of the Depression years, several nearby competing lines, and a decline in passenger service, on January 1, 1934, the company once again found itself in Receiversdhip. On January 11, 1939, the railway ran its last trains. On June 1, 1939, the line was approved for abandonment. On July, 14, 1939, the real property was sold at forclosure to the Missouri Pacific. Because of their own tenuous problems at the time, Their interest was only in the transfer yard, facilities, track, and buildings at Fort Smith, Arkansas. Operation was not in the plan. The road ended with 11 locomotives, 6 passenger cars, 141 freight cars, and 36 years of fond memmories! Other known Locomotives: #9, #14, #32
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FS&W 4-4-0 #2
Image, Fort Smith & W. 4-4-0 Loco #2, 1937 Order No. FSW02I Photographer: Joseph Schick A Fort Smith & Western Railway Co. 4-4-0 locomotive #2 pauses between moves for this great view shot at Fort Smith, Arkansas, March 10, 1937. Shopping Cart 8.5" by 11" Image, Price - $ 5.00 [Add To Cart] --------------------FS&W 2-8-2 #25
Image, Fort Smith & W. 2-8-2 Loco #25, 1936 Order No. FSW25I Photographer: Joseph Schick A Fort Smith & Western Railway Co. 2-8-2 locomotive #25 rests at Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1936. Shopping Cart 8.5" by 11" Image, Price - $ 5.00 [Add To Cart] --------------------
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