Rockwall History

In 1836, at the time of the Republic of Texas, the land now called Rockwall County was a part of Nacogdoches County. When Texas joined the United States in 1845, Rockwall became a part of Henderson County, and in 1847 the area became a part of Kaufman County. The area was growing by 1873, and a conflict arose as to which town should be the county seat: Terrell or Kaufman. Kaufman won out, and in the meantime,Rockwall became a county in its own right.

The name "Rockwall" was derived from an extensive underground system of prehistoric rock walls which outcrops at several points within the confines of the county. Excavation continues on these walls to determine the date and origin of their construction. Rockwall is rich in history. East Trinity Lodge No. 157 formed on July 26, 1854, held Rockwall's first school. The First Baptist Church of Rockwall was organized in 1852 and is the oldest congregation in the Dallas Baptist Association. In an effort to improve over land transportation, the Republic of Texas Congress authorized construction of Central National Road in February 1844. Running East from Dallas, the Central National Road turned northeast to cross the area that is now Rockwall County.

Rockwall Today

Rockwall has experienced unprecedented growth, doubling its population during the last decade. The town's typical resident is young and affluent, with a median household income of $ 53, 748. According to the North Texas Council of Governments, the population of the City of Rockwall is 13,800. The county population is 34,500. This makes Rockwall County one of the fastest growing areas in the state.

Rockwall County is second of 254 counties in Texas in median housing value. Most of Rockwall's existing homes are in the $ 125,000 to $ 500,000 range with a significant number in the upper end of this range, including selection of million and multimillion dollar estates.

For a county of only 144 square miles, a variety of neighborhood types is predominant in Rockwall. Whether you enjoy lake front or lake view living, country club living, or you need to roam on rolling acreage, Rockwall offers diversity for all lifestyles. And Lake Ray Hubbard's recreational activities are the bonus that singles, families, professionals and retirees can enjoy no matter which neighborhood they choose to call home.

Rockwall's residents work hard and play hard. They can do both well, because excellent access to Metroplex jobs gets them to work and home quickly. Rockwall is only 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. Highway 66 provides primary east-west access through Rockwall to Garland and Northeast Dallas. Recently widened I-30 provides easy access from Rockwall to downtown Dallas, which is just 22 miles away. Rockwall city streets have been planned to stay ahead of rapid growth and provide for continuous movement throughout the city. Union Pacific Rail service provides rail transportation to Rockwall's growing industry. Rockwall is 30 minutes from Love Field and 45 minutes from DFW airport. Rockwall also has its own general aviation airport with hangar facilities.

Rockwall residents enjoy 111 miles of shoreline and 22,745 acres of Lake Ray Hubbard. The lake offers all water sports, including fishing, water skiing, world-class sailing, power yachting and more. Chandlers Landing Yacht Club and Marina is home to many area boats. Most weekends throughout the year can see colorful sails of boats on the lake.

Rockwall has two renowned golf clubs: The Shores Country Club and Golf Course, and Buffalo Creek Golf Club, which has been consistently rated by the Dallas Morning News as one of the top two public fee golf courses in the state.

Festivities include the Taste of Rockwall and Business Expo, 4th Fest of Rockwall, the Tour of Homes in the Spring, the Aspasians Arts Show and the Rockwall Builders Fair. Also familiar to many area adventures is the Texas Queen, a 105-foot stern-wheel riverboat that cruises the lake and offers dining, dancing and live entertainment.

Growth and Development

The Rockwall City and County authorities joined together in 1987 to adopt a policy granting up to five years property tax abatement to manufacturing companies willing to locate to Rockwall with 25 or more employees.

Corporate relocations to Rockwall include Precision Cable Manufacturing Company, Inc., a cable manufacturer with 100 employees, and the arrival in 1990 of Rockwall's first Fortune 500 company, Continental P.E.T. Technologies, Inc., manufacturing plastic containers for the food processing industry. This 116,000 square foot facility is located in the heart of our industrial area and recently completed a 50,000 square foot expansion.

Startling growth, an exceptional lifestyle, rapid access, progressive government and still reasonable land prices combine in Rockwall to form an exciting real estate opportunity at the early stage of a growth cycle. There are indications that Rockwall's current growth may soon become explosive.

In 1992, expansion began on the section of Interstate 30 from Rockwall Highway 205 to Chaha Road in Garland to six lanes across Lake Ray Hubbard. This project opened the doorway for many new businesses looking to relocate.

Rockwall Real Estate

About the only thing hotter than a Texas summer these days is the Rockwall Real Estate market. Construction projects, both residential and commercial, are in full swing and have been so for the last few years. Several new residential communities have been recently completed and several others are underway right now. 

Newly constructed homes rarely stay on the market for more than 2 months despite their pricey sales tags. Most of Rockwall's existing homes are in the $125,000 to $500,000 range with a significant number in the upper end of this range, including a selection of million and
multimillion dollar estates. Like the old saying goes, "You get what you pay for" and judging from the increase in Rockwall's population, a whole lot of people like what they get for their money.

Rockwall truly is a great place to live, work, and play. A variety of beautiful, serene, and family oriented neighborhoods are predominant in Rockwall ranging from the "out on the farm" to a lakeside atmosphere. Exquisite homes and condominiums line the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard which features beautiful views of the lake, quick access to many water related activities, great dining facilities, golf courses, and other exclusive points of interest. Inland, one finds newly constructed neighborhoods set on rolling acreage accented with custom homes, lovely landscapes, and every luxurious amenity one requires for comfortable living.

Despite all its growth, Rockwall maintains a small town atmosphere enabling singles, families, professionals and retirees to enjoy life to its fullest no matter which neighborhood they choose to call home.