Rockwall, TX

Rockwall, Texas, the county seat of Rockwall County, sits on a hill overlooking the suburbs of Dallas. The city comprises just over 22 square miles of land, with a population that has grown to roughly 34,000. The First Baptist Church marks the highest point in the city. Rockwall is approximately 20 miles northeast of Dallas.

Rockwall was originally settled in the 1840s by the Boydstun family of Illinois. In 1852 Elijah Elgin donated forty acres to establish a town. The town formally came into being when a post office was established in 1854.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Rockwall experienced its first economic and population boom in 1886, when the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad was established, drawing farmers and merchants to the city. The population has continued to increase steadily over the years and the economy is rather diverse. Major industries include transportation, medical services, education, government, retail, and manufacturing.

The largest employers in Rockwall include:

• Rockwall Independent School District
• Lake Pointe Medical Center
• Texas Star Express
• Wal-Mart
• County of Rockwall
• Special Products and Manufacturing
• Target
• L-3 Communications
• Bodin Concrete Company
• Col-Met Spray Booths

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Some of Rockwall's notable neighborhoods include:

• Water's Edge is a condo community in Rockwall near Lake Ray Hubbard. Shopping and restaurants are within walking distance of the area.
• In the area of Highway 66 and Lakeview Parkway, this suburban community of mostly single-family houses is upper-middle income.
• The neighborhood around Goliad Street and Route 276 has a mix of owners and renters with upper-middle incomes. It is a fairly quiet area, and many of the area's homes were built between 1970 and 1994.
• The Town Center neighborhood is home to many families with children as well as urban sophisticates. This area is suburban and has a mix of owners and renters with upper-middle incomes.
• Hickory Ridge is a residential subdivision of the city that has approximately 300 homes and features a park.
• Emerald Bay is an upper-middle-class area of houses. The community is quiet and offers a neighborhood park.

EDUCATION

The community's public primary and secondary school needs are served by the Rockwall Independent School District. There are 12 elementary schools, three middle schools and three high schools.

More than 91 percent of Rockwall residents over the age of 25 have received a high school diploma, and about 40 percent have at least a bachelor's degree. There are no major colleges located in Rockwall, but several are located just a short drive away. Such colleges and universities include:

• University of Dallas, about 11 miles away
• Eastfield College, about 16 miles away
• Richland College, about 20 miles away
• University of Texas at Dallas, about 20 miles away

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Rockwall County Historical Museum: The museum houses several collections of artifacts related to the history of the state and the county.
• Rockwall Alliance for the Arts: The alliance was created in 1999 to educate the community on the arts. Such Programs as the Art in Public Places Program, which exhibits art throughout the city, and the cultural arts education program, which partners with community schools to offer student access to arts and culture, are appreciated by the community as well as tourists.
• Monticello Gardens: Monticello Gardens are botanical gardens with various plants and flowers.
• Rockwall Community Playhouse: The Rockwall Community Playhouse is a theater producing six shows every season. The small theater has about 84 seats and also offers theater classes for children and teenagers.

FOR VISITORS

Rockwall has several parks open to the community. Many offer playgrounds, picnic areas, golf courses, gazebos and trails. The city's recreational facilities include:

• Harry Myers Park
• Leon Tuttle Park
• Gloria Williams Park
• Windmill Ridge
• Jewel Park
• Northshore Park
• Shores Park
• Emerald Bay Park
• Henry M. Chandler Park
• Fox Chase
• Lofland Park
• Spring Sports Complex
• Meadow Creek (two parks)
• Hickory Ridge
• Yellow Jacket Park
• SH 66 Boat Ramp
• Caruth Lake Park

SPORTS TEAMS

The Dallas Diesel, a team in the National American Football League, makes its home in Rockwall. The team won the league's 2006 national championship.

LOCAL MEDIA

Most television and radio stations that broadcast in Rockwall are based in Dallas, Fort Worth or one of the other communities located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

In addition to the Dallas Morning News, three local newspapers serve Rockwall:

• Rockwall Herald-Banner
• Rockwall County News
• Rockwall Express