Rockwood, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rockwood, Texas
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 Rockwood, Texas
Location in Texas
Rockwood, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Coleman |
| Elevation | 1,483 ft (452 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 325 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1366741 |
Rockwood is a small place in Coleman County, Texas, in the United States. It's called an unincorporated community. This means it doesn't have its own local government like a city does. In 2000, about 80 people lived there.
Rockwood has its own post office, and its ZIP code is 76873.
Contents
History of Rockwood
The area where Rockwood is located was first known as the Camp Creek settlement in the early 1870s. The town officially began in the early 1880s when Lee Shields opened a store there. A part of the famous Chisholm Trail also passed through this spot.
How Rockwood Got Its Name
In 1889, a post office was set up in the home of H. L. and Sallie Faulk. Jim Foreman named it "Discord" after an argument about what the town should be called. But in January 1890, the name was changed to Rockwood. People believe it was named after Adolph Wood, who became the postmaster. Another story says that Wood himself renamed the town.
Early Growth and Changes
By 1890, about 25 people lived in Rockwood. It had a general store, a blacksmith, a carpenter, and a grain mill and gin. Between 1890 and 1892, the town grew quickly because coal was found nearby, close to the Colorado River.
In 1892, the town moved from the north side of Camp Creek to the south side. Its population grew to 75 people. By 1914, Rockwood had 100 residents, three general stores, and a cotton gin. However, the coal mining company seemed to have closed down.
Population and Businesses Over Time
Rockwood's population reached about 200 people in 1925. It had 15 businesses in 1931, but this number dropped to eight by 1933. From 1933 to 1963, the population stayed around 200. The number of businesses changed but eventually settled at four.
From 1970 to 2000, the population was recorded as 80 people. The post office kept running, but after 1983, there were no businesses recorded in Rockwood.
The 2007 Tornado
On May 2, 2007, an F1 tornado hit Rockwood. It moved through the south side of the community. The tornado damaged several buildings, including the town's new post office. It then left the town, causing more damage to barns and trees a few miles away.
Where is Rockwood?
Rockwood is located in southern Coleman County, Texas. It sits on U.S. Highway 283 along Camp Creek. It is about 23 mi (37 km) south of Coleman. The town is also four miles north of the Colorado River.
Schools in Rockwood
Rockwood had its own school in 1926. This school closed down in 1955. Today, students from Rockwood attend schools in the Santa Anna Independent School District.
