Rosston, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rosston, Texas
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 Rosston, Texas
Location in Texas
Rosston, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Cooke |
| Population
(2000)
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| • Total | 75 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
76263
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| Area code(s) | 940 |
Rosston is a small community in Cooke County, Texas. It's a place where people live and work, mainly in farming and ranching. It's called an "unincorporated community" because it doesn't have its own local government like a city does. In 2000, about 75 people lived there. Rosston is part of the larger Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area.
Contents
A Look Back at Rosston's Past
Early Settlers and Native American Encounters
People started settling in the Rosston area by 1865. At that time, there were still encounters with Native American groups. In one event, over 100 Native Americans from Indian Territory (an area set aside for Native American tribes) came through. They killed nine people and took many horses. This was said to be the last such event in Cooke County.
How Rosston Got Its Name
In 1870, four brothers named Ross—William, John, Perry, and Orr—moved to the area from Grayson County. They started important businesses like a mill, a general store, and a cotton gin. A cotton gin is a machine that quickly separates cotton fibers from their seeds. In 1872, the town's name was changed from Rosstown to Rosston, honoring the Ross brothers. A post office was also opened in their shop.
Historic Trails and Growth
Rosston was close to important travel routes. The Butterfield Overland Mail, a famous stagecoach service, passed nearby. The Chisholm Trail, a path used to drive cattle from Texas to Kansas, was also close.
The community grew over time. By 1913, Rosston was at its busiest. It had seven businesses, including two blacksmith shops, three general stores, a drugstore, and a cotton gin. There was also a doctor in town.
Sam Bass and Community Life
A famous outlaw named Sam Bass reportedly used the Rosston area for his group's meetings. Today, the town remembers this part of its history by celebrating Sam Bass Day every year on the third Saturday in July.
By 1980, Rosston had many homes, a store, a volunteer fire station, and two churches (a Methodist church and a Baptist church). About 110 people lived there. The population stayed at 110 in 1990 but then decreased to 75 by 2000.
Weather Events and Local Heroes
Rosston has experienced some strong weather. On April 20, 1912, a powerful tornado (called an F3) hit the community. It destroyed 12 barns and homes. More recently, on May 25, 2024, a smaller tornado (an F0) caused damage to trees in the area.
A notable person from Rosston was Bill Freeman. He was famous for training and showing a quarter horse named Smart Little Lena. This horse became very well-known in the horse world.
In 1921, Rosston also had a branch of the Cooke County Library, showing its commitment to learning.
Rosston's Location
Where to Find Rosston
Rosston is located in the southwestern part of Cooke County. It sits on Farm to Market Road 922. This type of road connects rural areas to larger markets. Rosston is about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Gainesville. It's also about 9 miles (14 km) east of Forestburg and 9 miles (14 km) west of Era.
Schools in Rosston
Learning in the Community
Today, students in Rosston attend schools that are part of the Era Independent School District. This district provides education for children in the area.
Media and Communications
Radio Towers Near Rosston
Just east of Rosston is the Liberman Broadcasting Tower Era. This tall tower helps send out radio signals. Even though it's named for the community of Era, it's actually closer to Rosston and Leo. The radio transmitters for stations like KZZA, KTCK-FM, and KBOC are also located in this area.
Well-Known People from Rosston
Famous Faces from the Community
- Ralph C. Dills: He was a politician who served in the California State Assembly. This means he was a lawmaker in the state of California.
