Rockwall was founded in 1854 and is the County Seat of Rockwall County. Rockwall is approximately 22 miles east of downtown Dallas on Interstate 30 with a population of just over 25,000. Rockwall has an advantage of being near the Dallas Metroplex without losing its rural atmosphere, and proudly maintains one of the highest-ranking school systems and one of the lowest tax rates within the State of Texas.

Situated on the east shore of Lake Ray Hubbard, residents can enjoy exceptional fishing, boating, and sailing, in addition to the 330 acres of parkland and dedicated natural open space, 2 community pools, three golf courses, and an award winning Parks and Recreation Program.

There are four marinas, three public boat ramps, and a yacht club famous for sailing regattas. Rockwall also offers several choices in cultural arts. Musical groups include the Lakeside Singers, the Hubbard Chamber Music Series, and the City of Rockwall Parks & Recreation Concert by the Lake Series . The Rockwall Community Playhouse also performs regularly. Churches of various denominations, service clubs, and charitable organizations are also an intricate part of the Rockwall community.

Rockwall has the distinction of being the smallest county in Texas but one of the fastest growing counties in the United States . The history behind Rockwall's name is filled with great speculation. While trying to dig water wells in 1851, settlers discovered an underground rock wall. Because of its man-made appearance, there has been much discussion about how the wall came into existence. Settlers believed it was a man-made barrier defining territory. Geologists believe it is the result of weather sand dikes formed along the Balcones Fault line. There is still evidence of the rock wall system which out crops at several points within the county.

In 1980, the population of Rockwall was 5,939. Today, the population has reached over 25,000. The once rural community is attracting families from Dallas and beyond to this scenic, lakeside town.

In 2002, The City of Rockwall completed construction of a new City Hall, Senior Citizen / Community Center, Police Department and Municipal Court facility, adding an additional 46,000 square feet of office space.

Also in 2002, the City completed construction of a new fire station. The new fire station is providing 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. Land has been acquired for a third fire station in the north part of the city.

In July 2003, the Rockwall City Council took the first step forward in the creation of a landmark facility for the City of Rockwall . The Harbor Project will address a number of needs in the community. One of the goals of the City Council has been to address the need for a permanent location for residents to enjoy the shoreline of Lake Ray Hubbard, which is one of the significant features that gives Rockwall its identity. Most of the shoreline has been developed without public access to the lake and this development will not only provide needed access but also accomplish that goal in conjunction with a premier commercial and entertainment district.

The last remaining commercial area on Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall, located south of I-30 along the lake, will be the site of a development by Whittle Development, which will include a new 12-screen cinema, an upscale full service hotel and civic center, shops and restaurants, and offices.

The City of Rockwall plans to construct public boardwalks, fountains, plazas, pedestrian walkways and other amenities, which will provide opportunities for public activities such as the Concert on the Lake series and other entertainment events. These improvements will provide residents with a permanent public open space from which to enjoy the lake and the activities that will be planned along the lake, while creating a unique space for visitors and residents who want to visit the shops and restaurants that will be located in the development. The entire project, including the public and private components, will be located within a Tax Increment Financing District. The new property taxes and the new sales taxes that will be generated within this district will fund the costs of the public improvements. The estimated value of the new commercial development is $56,900,000. The City’s costs for development of the public improvements are estimated at $11,500,000.

The City of Rockwall has received a bond rating upgrade from Standard and Poor’s. The upgrade is based on the city’s implementation of new financial policies adopted by the City Council that are designed to ensure strong reserves, coupled with the formalization of a capital improvement program. The ratings are based on the City’s full faith and credit pledge and reflect its proximity to the DFW Metropolitan Statistical Area, leading to strong residential and commercial growth; above-average wealth and income levels; and very strong financial position.

Rockwall’s financial performance remains strong. Strong growth in sales and property tax revenues has enabled the City to experience several years of operating surpluses. Since 1996, the property tax rate has declined to 36 cents per $100 valuation from 38 cents per $100 valuation. An upgraded bond rating by Standard & Poor’s reflects the expectation that the city’s financial position will remain strong.