About Snyder

History of Snyder, Texas

Snyder, the county seat of Scurry County, is located at the junction of U.S. Highways 84 and 180, approximately 87 miles southeast of Lubbock. 

Early Beginnings

The city's origins trace back to 1878 when William Henry "Pete" Snyder, a buffalo hunter and trader from Pennsylvania, established a trading post on the banks of Deep Creek. This settlement attracted fellow hunters, leading to a community of buffalo-hide dwellings. Due to the nature of these early dwellings and the occasionally dubious character of their inhabitants, the town earned its first names, "Hide Town" and "Robber's Roost." 

Formation and Growth

In 1882, a formal town plan was drawn up. The first public school was established sometime that year. Two years later, in 1884, when Scurry County was organized, Snyder's settlement was chosen as the county seat. By 1892, the population had reached 600, with a school, two churches, a gristmill, steam gin, two banks, and two weekly newspapers contributing to the community's development. 

Railroad Expansion

Significant growth occurred in 1907 when Snyder was granted a city charter, and construction began on the Roscoe, Snyder and Pacific Railway. The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway in 1911 further spurred development, solidifying Snyder's role as a regional hub for trade and transportation. 

The Oil Boom

A transformative period began in 1948 when oil was discovered in the Canyon Reef formation north of town. Within a year, the population surged from around 4,000 to over 12,000, and a tent and trailer city sprang up on the town's northern edge. The boom peaked in 1951 with an estimated population of 16,000 but stabilized to around 11,000 as the boom subsided. Despite the decline, oil remained a vital part of the local economy, with the Snyder area being one of the leading oil-producing regions in Texas. 

Modern Day

Today, Snyder continues to thrive, balancing its rich historical roots with modern advancements. The city remains a testament to the resilience and spirit of its residents, who have shaped it into the vibrant community it is today.