“What stories could this plaque tell about Rowlett’s past?” The City of Rowlett Plaque marks a place steeped in history. Rowlett began with Daniel Rowlett. He led families from Tennessee to Texas in 1835. They settled near the Red River.
Daniel Rowlett earned land in Collin County for his military service. A creek on that land became Rowlett’s Creek. Interestingly, Daniel Rowlett never lived near this creek. He is buried in Bonham.
The area around today’s Rowlett was split between two colonies. These were the W.S. Peters Colony and the Charles Mercer Colony. Settlers began arriving in the 1840s. Dallas County was established in 1846.
The first post office in Rowlett opened in 1880. It was initially named Morris. Later, the name changed to Rowlett. This recognized Rowlett Creek’s importance.
Railroads boosted Rowlett’s growth after the Civil War. The Greenville and Dallas Railroad arrived in 1889. By 1900, Rowlett thrived as a farming town. It had stores, services, schools and churches.
The Bankhead Highway reached Rowlett in 1921. This highway ran from Washington D.C. to San Diego. Rowlett officially became a city in 1952. Eighty-four citizens voted for incorporation. Cotton was the main industry then. Two cotton gins still stand today.
Interstate Highway 30 was built in the 1960s. It bypassed Rowlett offering a quicker route to Dallas. Lake Ray Hubbard was completed in 1971. This gave Rowlett over 30 miles of shoreline. The lake provides drinking water for Dallas. It also made Rowlett a lakefront community.
Rowlett’s population boomed after these developments. It grew from 5,100 in 1978 to nearly 68,000 today. Many descendants of Rowlett’s founders still live here. It is a city built by family and community.
Rowlett offers a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. The city extends into Dallas and Rockwall counties. Lake Ray Hubbard plays a key role. Rowlett Creek is also a significant waterway.
The City of Rowlett Plaque serves as a reminder. It marks the spot where a small town transformed into a vibrant city. It honors the people and events that shaped Rowlett into what it is today. Rowlett is a testament to community, growth and the enduring spirit of Texas.