Rock Island, Washington County, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rock Island
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 Rock Island
Location in Texas
Rock Island
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Washington |
| Settled | 1830s |
| Post Office | 1849-1857 |
| Abandoned | 1857 |
| Founded by | Barbara Groce Clarke, granddaughter of Jared E. Groce |
| Named for | Small island in Brazos River |
Rock Island was a small, historic community located near the Brazos River in Washington County, Texas, United States. It was northeast of Chappell Hill and northwest of Hempstead. This place started as a large farm, called a plantation, named Rock Island because of a small island in the Brazos River.
Today, Rock Island is known as a "ghost town" because everyone eventually moved away.
Contents
The Story of Rock Island
Where Was Rock Island?
There's a bit of a puzzle about exactly where Rock Island was. Some old records say it was east of the Brazos River in Waller County. Other records place it west of the river in Washington County. This confusion might be because the river's path changed over time. The Brazos River is known for shifting its course, which could explain why the town's location seems to have moved.
A Busy Beginning
Rock Island began in the 1830s as a plantation. By 1837, it was growing into a small community. It had important places like a general store where people could buy supplies. There was also an inn for travelers to stay. A cotton gin helped process cotton, and a blacksmith made and repaired metal tools.
The people of Rock Island even tried to make their town the main county seat, but they didn't win.
Life in the Settlement
Life in Rock Island became even better when a ferry crossing was added. This made it easier for people and goods to cross the Brazos River. The community also had its own school, called the Rock Island Academy. This shows that education was important to the people living there.
From 1849 to 1857, Rock Island even had its own post office. This meant that letters and packages could be sent and received right in their town.
Why Rock Island Disappeared
In 1857, a new railroad was built. However, this railroad was built east of the Brazos River. It created a new town called Hempstead. The railroad did not cross the river to Rock Island.
Because the railroad didn't come to Rock Island, people started moving to the new town of Hempstead. This made Rock Island decline, and eventually, it became a ghost town.
