THE EARLY YEARS
In the mid-1800s, early pioneer T.U. Wade discovered a curious rock formation while digging a well, sparking the idea to name the new town "Rockwall" after the unique geological find. Wade's suggestion was accepted, and the town of Rockwall was officially platted on April 17, 1854. At the time, Rockwall was part of Kaufman County, located in its far panhandle. Traveling to Kaufman for business was a long journey, prompting Rockwall’s residents to secede and form their own county, solidifying Rockwall’s place on the map. Rockwall County holds the distinction of being the smallest county in Texas, covering just 147 square miles.

Before Anglo-American settlers arrived in the 1840s, the area was inhabited by Caddo Indians. As Creek Indians began to move into the region, tensions arose, with the two tribes in conflict by the time settlers arrived. Settlers in the 1840s came by horse, mule-drawn wagons, or on foot, using the National Road of the Republic. Constructed in the 1840s, it connected the Red River to Peters Colony, near present-day Dallas. The cities of Rockwall and Heath were founded along this important route. Rockwall was ideally situated where the road crossed the East Fork of the Trinity River, making it a natural stopping point for travelers and new settlers alike.

In its early years, Rockwall was a small village, with cattle ranching as its main industry. This slow period of growth continued until the arrival of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas rail line in the 1880s. The new rail access allowed Rockwall to thrive, with population numbers doubling from 1880 to 1890, and cotton production quickly overtaking cattle as the town’s primary industry.

However, the growth was tempered by Rockwall’s proximity to larger cities, particularly Dallas, and by the Great Depression, which saw farm values drop significantly. Rockwall remained a small agricultural town until the 1950s, when the opening of the Southwest’s first aluminum plant marked a turning point. The plant’s opening brought new housing and jobs, and Rockwall became known as the "Aluminum Capital of the Industrial Southwest."

LAKE RAY HUBBARD
The real economic boom, however, came with the construction of Lake Ray Hubbard in 1969, by damming the East Fork of the Trinity River. This large reservoir shifted Rockwall’s focus toward recreation and tourism, transforming the town into a sought-after destination. In recent years, Rockwall has experienced rapid growth, with new housing developments and a bustling Interstate 30 corridor filled with retail and restaurants.

TODAY
Rockwall has become a blend of historic charm and modern development, continuing to thrive as one of the fastest-growing communities in Texas. From its humble beginnings along the National Road to its present status as a vibrant community, Rockwall’s history is rich with tales of discovery, growth, and transformation.