Rockwall was founded in 1854 and is the smallest county in Texas. Located about 22-miles east of downtown Dallas on Inter- state 30, Rockwall has a population of about 45,000 and its residents appreciate the city’s proximity to everything that “Big D” has to offer, while also preserving its rural atmosphere.
While trying to dig water wells in 1851, settlers discovered an underground rock wall. Because of its man-made appearance, it’s still a mystery how the wall came to exist. Settlers believed it was a man-made barrier to help define territory. Geologists believe it’s the result of weather sand dikes formed along the Balcones Fault line. What- ever the case, it’s how the city got its name.
In 1980, the population of Rockwall was 5,939. Today, the population has reached over 45,000. The once rural community is attracting families from Dallas and beyond to this scenic, lakeside town. During the November 1995 election, the Rockwall voters approved the adoption of a half-cent sales tax for the promotion and development of new and expanding businesses in Rockwall and as a result, the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation was founded on July 25, 1996. Since its beginnings, the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation has provided new businesses as well as existing Rockwall businesses with site locations, incentives, and other economic assistance.
In 1998, to stimulate high technology business development in Rockwall, the Rockwall Economic Development Corpo- ration purchased 147-acres for development of Rockwall’s premiere business address, the Rockwall Technology Park. This Technology Park was expanded by 76-acres in 2001. There are currently five major industrial clients in the Park.
An upgraded Standard & Poor bond rating reflects the city’s solid financial position – and strong growth in sales and property tax revenues has enabled the City to experience several years of operating surpluses. And, at a time when many cities were experiencing significant declines in sales tax revenues, Rockwall showed gains because of new retail development and residential growth.
The City of Rockwall has undergone improvements, too. Recent construction projects in the last few years include a new City Hall, Senior Citizen/Community Center, Police Department and Municipal Court, which added an additional 46,000-square feet of office space, as well as a new fire station.
The new fire station offers additional fire and rescue services to the southern portion of the city and is home to an 85-foot Quint ladder truck, a 1250 gallon-per-minute pumper truck, and a 750 gallon-per-minute pumper truck. The city is also planning to build a third fire station in the north part of the city.
With its location on the east shore of Lake Ray Hubbard, there’s no question that water is a big recreational focus. Residents enjoy fishing, boating, and sailing from four marinas and three public boat ramps. There are also several yacht clubs, including Rush Creek – known for its sailing regattas and races – and Chandler’s Landing, which is part of the Chandler’s Landing residential community. The city also offers multiple neighborhood parks, community pools, golf courses, and an award-winning Parks and Recreation program.
Cultural amenities include the Hubbard Chamber Music Series, the Concert by the Lake Series, and the Rockwall Community Playhouse also performs regularly. Churches of various denominations, service clubs, and charitable organizations are also an intricate part of the community. Rockwall is also home to one of the highest-ranking school systems, and one of the lowest tax rates in the state of Texas.
