 In that year, Bolivar merchants moved their businesses to Sanger, on the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway—locals say Bolivar residents opposed giving up land for the railroad, whereas nearby Sanger, Texas to the east was much more accommodating.From 1900 until 1940 Bolivar remained a small community of farmers.The economy received a slight boost from oil production during the 1940s and early 1950s.