Mesquite, Texas is a city that lies to the east of Dallas and is in both Dallas County and Kaufman County.  The city is rich in heritage and maintains a country and western flavor that is indicative of Texas.  The area was first settled in 1873 by A.R. Alcott, a Texas & Pacific Railway Engineer who purchased the land and established a post that soon became a frequent stop on the railroad between Dallas and Shreveport.  The city of Mesquite was officially incorporated in 1887 and became a fast growing farming community.  Cotton, hay, sugar, and corn were the crops of choice and the residents used the railroad line to ship the goods to other areas. 

Mesquite enjoyed a period of tremendous growth just after World War II.  The city went from a population of about 1,600 residents in 1950, to over 55,000 residents in 1970.  Today, there are approximately 130,000 people living inMesquite who enjoy plenty of employment opportunities due to the cities thriving business climate and close proximity to Dallas. Mesquite is most famous for its Mesquite Championship Rodeo which celebrates its 50^th anniversary season in 2007.  The Rodeo runs every Friday and Saturday night from the beginning of April until the end of September.  Featured in the Rodeo are events such as bull riding, steer wrestling, and bareback riding.  The Mesquite Rodeo attracts cowboys from all over the nation that compete for prize money and championship status.