St. Louis, Rocky Mountain & Pacific Company – Legends of America
The saga of the St. Louis, Rocky Mountain & Pacific Company is a compelling narrative of ambition, industry, and the transformative power of coal in the American West. Established in the nascent years of the 20th century, this enterprise left an indelible mark on the landscapes and communities of northern New Mexico, shaping its economic and social fabric for decades.
Genesis and Acquisition
The story begins on June 26, 1905, with the incorporation of the St. Louis, Rocky Mountain & Pacific Company in New Mexico. Spearheaded by Henry and Hugo Koehler, prominent figures from St. Louis, Missouri, the company initially took root as the Northern New Mexico Coal Mining and Coking Company. Their vision was clear: to tap into the vast coal reserves of the region and capitalize on the burgeoning demand for fuel.
A pivotal moment arrived early in the company’s history with the acquisition of the Raton Coal & Coke Company. This strategic purchase, executed in the same year as the company’s incorporation, proved to be a game-changer. The Raton Coal & Coke Company was jointly owned by the Maxwell Land Grant Company and the Santa Fe Railway, each holding a half-interest. The acquisition bestowed upon the Koehler brothers and their associates the title to an impressive 212,000 acres of land, complemented by coal rights to an additional 350,000 acres. This transaction was hailed as one of the most significant coal and railway developments in New Mexico, underscoring the scale of the company’s ambitions.
Expansion and Diversification
Following the acquisition, the St. Louis, Rocky Mountain & Pacific Company embarked on a rapid expansion spree, acquiring or establishing several subsidiary companies to solidify its dominance in the region. Among these ventures was the Swastika Fuel Company, strategically located in Raton. The Swastika Fuel Company engaged in a multifaceted operation, encompassing coal and mineral extraction, land acquisition, and mercantile activities.
Another key acquisition was the Blossburg Mercantile Company, a well-established business dating back to 1895. The Blossburg Mercantile Company played a crucial role in supplying goods, merchandise, and land to the burgeoning mining communities. This acquisition effectively eliminated competition for goods in the coal camps, granting the St. Louis, Rocky Mountain & Pacific Company a virtual monopoly over the supply chain.
Coal Empire and Company Towns
At its zenith, the company’s holdings sprawled across an expansive 800-square-mile area of northern New Mexico. The company established a network of mines and "company towns," settlements specifically built to house and serve the workforce. Coal production was concentrated in several key locations, including Koehler, Van Houten, Blossburg, Brilliant, Swastika, Gardiner, and Sugarite. These towns, often named after company officials or reflecting the aspirations of their founders, became vibrant centers of industry and community life.
Coking plants, essential for converting coal into coke, a vital fuel for steel production, were strategically located in Gardiner and Koehler. These plants played a crucial role in the company’s operations, enhancing the value of its coal resources.
The St. Louis, Rocky Mountain & Pacific Company emerged as the largest coal producer in New Mexico, employing an average of 497 miners daily. The company’s reach extended far beyond the borders of New Mexico, with its coal being marketed in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona. This wide distribution network underscored the company’s significance as a major player in the regional economy.
The Swastika Symbol
A notable, and now historically sensitive, aspect of the company’s operations was its use of the Swastika symbol. The company branded its coal under the "Swastika" name, and the railroad was even known as the "Swastika Route." It’s important to remember that in the early 20th century, the swastika was not yet associated with the Nazi regime and its atrocities. It was a symbol that had been used for centuries in various cultures, often representing good luck or well-being. However, with the rise of Nazism in the 1930s, the swastika became irrevocably linked to hate and genocide, and its use by the company would undoubtedly be viewed with horror today.
Railway Expansion
Recognizing the importance of efficient transportation, the St. Louis, Rocky Mountain & Pacific Company established the St. Louis, Rocky Mountain, and Pacific Railway Company in 1907. This strategic move aimed to ensure competitive rail service for the company’s coal and coke traffic. The rail line stretched for 120 miles, traversing the company’s vast holdings and connecting to key transportation hubs such as Raton, Cimarron, and Des Moines.
The railway also facilitated connections with major rail networks, including the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, the Colorado and Southern, and the El Paso and Southwestern lines. This interconnectedness allowed the company to transport not only coal but also agricultural products and timber from the region, further diversifying its operations.
Key figures such as Hugo and Harry Koehler, Jan Van Houten (the coal company’s manager), and Charles and Frank Springer (who had previously been involved in the Maxwell Land Grant Company’s affairs) were active investors in the railroad. Their involvement underscored the commitment of the company’s leadership to the railway venture.
Divestiture and Transformation
Despite its initial success, the company eventually faced challenges in managing both the railroad and coal businesses. The railroad, in particular, was struggling financially. In 1913, the decision was made to sell the railroad to the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe. The sale was finalized on August 1, 1913, and on March 10, 1915, the railway’s name was officially changed to the Rocky Mountain and Santa Fe Railway Company.
The St. Louis Rocky Mountain & Pacific Company, however, continued its focus on coal and other business ventures. It remained a significant force in the coal development of Colfax County until 1955, when it ultimately discontinued operations.
Legacy
In 1955, the company’s entire coal interests were acquired by the Kaiser Steel Corporation. Today, much of the land once controlled by the St. Louis, Rocky Mountain & Pacific Company is part of the sprawling 923-square-mile Vermejo Park Ranch.
The legacy of the St. Louis, Rocky Mountain & Pacific Company is multifaceted. It represents an era of intense industrial activity and resource extraction in the American West. The company’s operations shaped the landscapes and communities of northern New Mexico, leaving behind a rich history of mining towns, railways, and entrepreneurial endeavors. While the company’s use of the Swastika symbol is a stark reminder of how symbols can change meaning over time, the broader story of the St. Louis, Rocky Mountain & Pacific Company offers valuable insights into the economic and social forces that shaped the American West.