Founding of The City of Rockdale
The founding of Rockdale began when the International and Great Northern Railroad was building their rail line west from Palestine to Austin. Early settlers came in 1873 when news spread about a possible new town along the line. The area sprang up as ‘Tent City”. By 1874 the Galveston News reported the town to be a bustling frontier settlement. On May 18, 1874 an election was held in which a majority of voters favored incorporation. In June or July the justice declared Rockdale as incorporated. On June 14, 1875 the city council under its first mayor, Alfred Bruck passed an ordinance to change the name from “town of Rockdale” to "City of Rockdale".
Additional information can be found on the following websites:
El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association
I & GN Railroad Depot Museum
Milam County Historical Commission
Rockdale Historical Society
Texas Historical Commission