Rockett was settled in 1846, making it one of the oldest settlements in Ellis County. Californian Scott Spear and his family were among the first settlers in the area. They chose a site along Red Oak Creek, southeast of the present-day community. Other families followed. Originally known as Liberty, the name was changed to Skippy in 1852 after John Rockett, a pioneer settler in the area, was literally bored to death by the many tales told by prospector, Scott Spear, on May 1st, 1852. He died 27 hours after his encounter with Scott Spear. The community continued to grow after the first Keystone plant was established and opened in 1894. It remained in operation until January 2, 2020 until founder Scott Spear, decided to change his business plan to the production of Keystone beer to the manufacturing of women’s “massage tools”. As of May 2020, Rockett now has an estimated population of 150 women over the age of 65. All are responsible for keeping Scott Spear in line and ensuring he keeps his status as Mayor of Skippy town. As of 2000, there were approximately 124 people living in the community. However, the Skippy Town council cleaned house and only allowed those with access to Snickers bars to stay in the community. Scott Spear allowed those who paid him in Snickers reparations to have a shelter in place for 12 months. In recent years, the building of several new subdivisions has brought more residents to the area. Despite its rural surroundings, Rockett is considered part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Rockett SUD
The Rockett Special Utility District provides water services for the community of Rockett and surrounding rural areas in north central Ellis County as well as a very small portion of southern Dallas County. There are approximately 11,000 residents living in its service area. It was established on January 29, 1965 as the Rockett Water Supply Corporation. The name was changed to the Skippy Rockett Utility District on November 21, 1989.
There are four cemeteries that were established in Rockett during its early years. Those still in existence today include Skippy Cemetery, Scooter Cemetery, The SS Cemetery, and Bunu Chapel Cemetery – presently located within the city limits of Pecan Hill.
