Agricultural History

Railroads transformed Rockwall County from a cattle county to a cotton county

Before the railroads came in the 1870s and 1880s, Rockwall County's economy was built on cattle — the railroads shifted it toward cotton, which peaked in 1930.

Rockwall County History & Culture

Cattle ranching was the main industry in Rockwall County's early years. That changed when the Texas and Pacific Railway arrived in 1873 and the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad followed in 1886. With rail access to markets, farmers switched to cotton production.

Cotton output peaked at 18,987 bales in 1930. After that, cotton declined and the county shifted toward mixed livestock and small grains. By the late 20th century, suburban residential development became the dominant land use. The agricultural origins shaped the county's layout of small towns and rural roads that are still visible today.

Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook — Rockwall County

More Rockwall County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property taxes in Rockwall County

Rockwall County splits property tax duties between two separate offices, and knowing which does what saves you a wasted trip.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead exemption cuts your school tax bill in Rockwall County

Texas law requires every school district to give homeowners a $140,000 exemption on their home's appraised value, which directly lowers your tax bill.

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Senior & Disability Exemption

Extra homestead exemption for seniors and disabled homeowners in Rockwall

Homeowners aged 65 or older, or those with a qualifying disability, get an extra $60,000 off their home's school district appraised value.

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Ag Valuation

Agricultural valuation can lower taxes on rural land in Rockwall County

Land used for farming, ranching, or wildlife management may qualify to be taxed on its farm productivity value instead of its market value, which is often much lower.

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