Region: Prairies and Lakes
Centrally located at the intersection of U.S. 77 and 79, Rockdale is in
south-central Milam County. It was named in 1874 by Mrs. B.F. Ackerman, whose
husband sold the International-Great Northern Railroad most of the acreage for
the town site.
For horse-racing enthusiasts,Valhalla Farms—one of three sanctioned training
tracks in Texas—is just north of the city.
Rockdale was home to George Sessions Perry, who published numerous novels.
The town also hosts the Rockdale Christmas Ball, which features Western swing
music by members of the original Bob Wills Texas Playboys, on the first Saturday
in December. Other annual events include the Tejas Art and Book Festival in
March and the Rockdale Fair on the third full weekend in
October.