MILAM COUNTY TEXAS - A History of Rockdale Texas (Rockdale Today)
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by
Lynna Kay Shuffield for the
Milam County Genealogical Society
milamco@yahoo.com
July 26, 2001
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There is an html version of this information with pictures at
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Rockdale Today

THIS IS ROCKDALE ONE CENTURY LATER
(Written by Mrs. Ida Jo Marshall)

When the offcials of the International and Great Northern Railroad Company on July 15, 
1874, executed their deed for the streets and lots for the town that they officially named 
"Rockdale", they set in motion activities that helped develop an area that has gained 
renown, not only for its agricultural and industrial accomplishments, but for men and 
women whose influence for good has continued through the last one hundred years.

To this area came early enterprising business people and settlers who established a 
culture greatly influenced by ethnic groups, composed of Anglo-American, Negro, 
Mexican, German, Jewish, Swedish, and Czech. All, through concerted action, brought 
about the growth of present day Rockdale with a population of 4,655.

Today one hundred years since its founding, Rockdale can be proud of its growth, its 
flourishing businesses, its efftcient schools, its numerous churches, dts superior homes, 
and its people who live as good neighbors and make welcome to all who come to dwell in 
their midst.

In the preceding accounts it is wished that in some way we could have told of the unusual 
qualities of vision, faith and determination of the people who through the past century 
have moulded Rockdale and surrounding communities. We can look back with pride into 
the future and hope that those who will mould it for the next century will continue to 
preserve the great heritage that is ours so that Rockdale will always be the finest town we 
ino~v in which to live.

The compilers of this book express gratitude to all who helped make, and are making, the 
Rockdale of today, and we cordially salute all those who will tale their places in 2074, 
one hundred years hence.