Slaton is located just southeast of Lubbock toward Snyder along US 84 near Buffalo Springs Lake.
Slaton is part of the Lubbock, Texas metro area.
Slaton was established in 1910 as a suitable place for a division terminal for the Santa Fe Rail Road. It was named for O.L. Slaton. It is said he had been instrumental in completion of the railroad project. Today the town serves as a rail center, plus regional agricultural and trade center.
A retired locomotive in the downtown center serves as a reminder of the importance of railroading in Slaton's history. In 1990 the population was 6,078.