Rotan

First known as White Flat, the town of Rotan was settled prior to the organization of Fisher County in 1886. A thriving community developed, but not until the railroad came through in 1906 did the town become a major area commercial center. During the summer of that year, the Texas Central Railway decided to extend the western terminus of its Waco line to White Flat. The coming of the railroad, which had had a dramatic economic impact in other Texas towns, was eagerly anticipated. The arrival of the first train in October 1906 signaled the opening for sale of many business lots. The name Rotan was adopted for the town when the post office was established. A postal station in Dickens County previously had been given the name White Flat, so Rotan was chosen to honor one of the railroad's principal stockholders. The town prospered with the opening of many business establishments to serve the surrounding agricultural area. Two Rotan businesses have operated continuously since their establishments--the "Rotan Advance," which began publication as the "Terminal Advance" one month before the first train arrived, and the First National Bank, which was chartered in 1907. (1983)

Rotan is a historical marker in Rotan, Fisher County, dedicated in 1983. It is one of 15 historical markers documented in Fisher County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 18 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.8538, -100.4669 near Rotan. The nearest cataloged historic site is Roby Cemetery (historical marker), about 8.0 miles away. Others within a short drive include Captain Henry C. Lyon, Hobbs Independent School District, and Fisher County, Organizaion of.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5151004357. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.